Product Seven

The seven steps necessary to produce a successful product.

Seven steps are necessary to properly execute a product. This process does not guarantee success. Other variables such as team/personnel, financials, time, and so on are other variables which must also be considered.

The first step is the idea. It is essential to move from mind to an available product as efficiently as possible. When an idea is new it has the most energy. This energy will fade over time and ultimately the idea will become obsolete. If action is not taken it allows opportunity for others to act. There is a thought that every idea is given to or held by at least two individuals. Be the one who acts. He who hesitates is lost.

The second step is design. Manifesting an idea into something tangible is design. Facilitation is key as to not extinguish the spark of the idea. Ideation is also essential and should be pushed to it’s breaking point. There is no repercussion for pushing an idea to impossibility. Once the limits have been pushed the design may comfortably be accepted within the confines of impossibility.

The third step is the (creative/technical) handoff. Now is the time for reality to ground the dreamer. A compromise between what is ideal and what is realistic must be made. This may require going back one or even two steps. This is not a failure and should not be frowned upon. It is extremely important not to move forward to the fourth step until both creative and technical parties have an aligned vision.

The fourth step is development. The technical team must be left alone and not interrupted during this phase. Every interruption is time lost. Enough time lost is a failed product. If clarification is needed address it immediately but do not interrupt the flow. If the third step was adequately performed the technical team can be allowed isolation. This is ideal.

The fifth step is testing. An unbiased third party must now examine the work of the (creative and technical) team as it stands. All observations and discoveries are welcomed in this stage. Resolve and reconcile everything that comes to light before moving forward.

The sixth step is production. The product must be consumable by the population. Production must move as the gears of a clock. Any hiccup must immediately be addressed. Reliability is a key aspect in efficient production.

The seventh step is available. The product must be presented to the population appropriately. If not immediately intuitive it must be explained eloquently. The product can and ultimately will die in this state. What is important is that the product has a successful life cycle before eventually dying. The integrity of the original idea must be retained. Do not milk the product to it’s dying breath. There is no honor in this. Instead start a new with an idea, and begin again.