Design orientation in new product development and its measurement
European Journal of Innovation Management
ISSN: 1460-1060
Article publication date: 6 December 2019
Issue publication date: 5 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define the design orientation construct, proposing a theoretical framework for its analysis and a validated tool for its measurement.
Design/methodology/approach
The process of scale development follows the recommendations of DeVellis (1991). After qualitative research with experts, quantitative research was performed on a sample of 209 SMEs in the furniture and lighting sectors. The results, based on the use of the confirmatory factor analysis technique, yielded a measurement scale with solid psychometric properties, thus confirming its reliability and validity.
Findings
The resulting scale comprised 19 items grouped into seven dimensions: awareness of the benefits of design, design sensibility, basic design skills, specialized design skills, involving others, design organization and innovation skills.
Practical implications
The instrument can be used to quantify the degree of design orientation in a company, thus enabling cross-sectional and longitudinal diagnoses.
Originality/value
By operationalizing the design orientation construct, this scale serves as a starting point for future developments in the field of business design and design management.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research has received financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and National Research Agency (Projects References ECO2016-76553-R and ECO2017-83051-R).
Citation
Cantó, M., Frasquet, M. and Irene, G.-S. (2021), "Design orientation in new product development and its measurement", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 131-149. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-07-2019-0187
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited