But, be Aware...

There are two other very important influences that always need to be taken into account when developing a new product: they are risk and change.

Risk is defined as 'A Hazard, Peril, Exposure to Loss or Injury'. Does it mean that within the PD world the product or process can be damaged in some manner because of risk? Well… yes! But, part of new product innovation is risk - so risk taking should be encouraged and not feared. Therefore, there needs to be a way to assess and manage risk.

Change is defined as 'To Alter, Make Different'. In the PD sphere change can occur in many, if not all, of the WOEs and processes. So there also needs to be a way to manage and anticipate change.




Because of change and risk you could argue that part of successful PD management is 'the Management of the Unpredictable'. Indeed it is, and we'll discuss more about managing the unpredictable later.

Note that change mitigation can create risk and risk mitigation can create change.

Now we'll present some of the more common roadblocks in each of the WOEs that can lower the probability of a successful PD project and product, and we'll discuss some of the things you can do, within your control, to get through the roadblocks.

NOTICE...
The following discussion of roadblocks is based on experiences with a variety of product development programs. You may experience some of the hindrances, but not others in your PD efforts. Do not consider the resolution of any roadblocks as a reason for instigating a bloated bureaucracy. Planning and implementing any structure for eliminating roadblocks must add to efficiency and not become a roadblock in itself.

The remedies to each roadblock may also be arguable, depending upon the specific situations.