The Evolutionary Path of Ingen Dynamics Products: Inspired by Nature, Shaping the Future

The Evolutionary Approach in Product Design and Development

It's been long since we recognized that the evolution of products does not follow a predetermined long-term plan, a concept Ingen Dynamics has embraced since 2015. Traditionally, we've viewed product innovation as a linear process—each new product seen as the next logical step, an improvement over its predecessor. But as we now understand, development processes like product evolution are far less predictable and more nuanced. This newfound perspective has revolutionized Ingen Dynamics' approach towards products like Aido, Sentinel, Kaiser, Carry & Go, Rover, Humanoid, and Origami.

Shattering Traditional Perspectives, Embracing the Evolutionary Model

The application of the evolutionary model disrupts the traditional linear model, explaining phenomena such as 'path dependency', 'technological lock-in', and 'dominant design'. With each product iteration, Ingen Dynamics takes into consideration what worked before and what didn't—taking a step forward in the product's evolution rather than starting from scratch. For instance, when developing Aido, the home robot, and Sentinel, the security solution, the development path relied heavily on the predecessors' technology and standards. The past mattered, shaping the future.

The Impact of Product Life Cycles and Ecosystems

The product's phase within its lifecycle heavily influences development activities at Ingen Dynamics. As with Kaiser, initial focus lay on its technical functioning, then ergonomics and safety, before advancing to features, styling, and experience. The emergence of new products, like the Carry & Go, also demonstrates the critical role of the ecosystem—changes in the environment, market dynamics, and technological advancements leading to evolutionary leaps in product design and performance.

Ingen Dynamics' Evolution Diagram - A Framework for Development

Ehlhardt's Product Evolution Diagram provides a systematic framework for analysing the development history of products at Ingen Dynamics. The 'ecosystem' component of this framework helps map out environmental factors that influence product development. This approach played a crucial role in the evolution of the concept for Humanoid and Rover products, where external factors such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, and market demands shaped the trajectory of their evolution.

Embracing the Descent with Modification

As Ingen Dynamics progresses, the mantra "descent with modification" continues to inspire our product evolution. The Carry & Go product's journey, for instance, builds on what has been invented before, fueled by technologies developed for other purposes. Through this process, Ingen Dynamics proves that product evolution is not merely an economic necessity but a creative opportunity to invent, innovate, and improve. This evolutionary perspective is at the core of Ingen Dynamics, providing tools for designing not just products, but the future itself.