Focus for The Fuzzy Front End of Product Development: The Idea Sheet Process

The Fuzzy Front End- The point where the organization formulates a concept of the product to be developed and decides whether or not to invest resources in the further development of an idea”. I am writing this to and for all wanting to grow their business. Growth through new products, especially new to the world products, is the best growth that you can and must do. It is also the most fun. Your customer, however, must buy. Having been there and done that many times, I have a very pragmatic perspective on what will work. I am going to tell you, in solid terms, what will get you where you want to be. Focus is mandatory to best spend opportunity cost. Customer perspective is paramount. There is no magic. As smart as you are, it is more likely that you will succeed with this process. Realize that it is what you do not know that is the difference. This is how to find out and succeed. The Idea Sheet Process is a simple, very powerful tool. First, to collect and preserve the valuable knowledge of an organization, second, to present this knowledge to valued customers to find out “What it is that we do not know”, and focus on doing what it is that we do best; go to market with a product that will sell the first time and every time. The Idea Sheet Process is a simple, very powerful tool. First, to collect and preserve the valuable knowledge of an organization, second, to present this knowledge to valued customers to find out “What it is that we do not know”, and focus on doing what it is that we do best; go to market with a product that will sell the first time and every time.

Eric G. Parker is an independent consultant, advisor and the president of Eric G. Parker, LLC. He also is principal at Xtreme Growth Partners (www.xgrowthp.com) and the author of "Focus for the Fuzzy Front End of Product Development." Since 2009, Parker has brought new innovation processes to nearly 100 business units. Prior to that, he was the vice president of Illinois Tool Works, with 10 direct reporting divisions. Parker created the Global Product Development Center and ITW Produx, which has responsibility for future fastener and component innovation with over 40 ITW divisions. His career at ITW spanned over 35 years, during which he created and led simple and effective new product development and marketing processes now incorporated into the divisional culture. Parker is a distinguished corporate inventor in the American Society of Patent Holders and holds over 50 U.S. patents and over 100 foreign patents.