Proactive product development integrating consumer requirements

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents a model for an effective product development process, which is now becoming increasingly critical to success of apparel firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This research modeled apparel product development as a market driven process and integrated the consumer purchase decision in the model of proactive product development integrating consumer requirements (PPDICR). The PPDICR links the consumer purchase decision and multiple consumer research strategies to specific stages of the no‐interval coherently phased product development model for apparel through 15 avenues of consumer input.

Findings

The PPDICR model contributes to our understanding on how consumer input can be used to facilitate the process and through what avenues that input may be acquired. This model provides an effective tool for intra‐company to inter‐business analysis of consumer input into the apparel product development process.

Research limitations/implications

The PPDICR provides a theoretical understanding of apparel production, and is useful to researchers in visualizing the impact of changes in the business environment, integrating research projects, and establishing research priorities.

Practical implications

Practitioners may use the model to improve and develop products, select appropriate consumer input, and strategically plan organizational changes.

Originality/value

This model is a useful tool for effective product development both for researchers and industrialists alike. It brings in the important element of the integration of consumer information.

Citation

May‐Plumlee, T. and Little, T.J. (2006), "Proactive product development integrating consumer requirements", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 53-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/09556220610637512