Proactive product development integrating consumer requirements
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology
ISSN: 0955-6222
Article publication date: 1 January 2006
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.
Keywords
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
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited