Defining Specifications for Custom Designed Products

In Defining Specifications for Custom Designed Products, you'll learn ...

• The importance of the "Definition of Specifications" phase in the lifecycle of custom designed products
• Extracting information related to the product specifications from a single expert
• The Delphi Analysis and how to use it effectively

Overview

Credit: 2 PDH

Length: 21 pages

The course presents the principles and techniques used to translate the clients' needs into technical specifications that define a product completely, are un-ambiguous and achievable. As the first step in the development of a new custom designed product, the "Definition of the Product Specifications" phase determines the project's trajectory. At this point, wrong decisions can result in very expensive project re-alignments, insufficient, inadequate or ineffective product features, and ultimately in client disappointments. The earlier potential complications in the product's specifications are identified, the easier it is to address them and this is the best place to do this.

The course outlines techniques for extracting this information from single experts (by means of discussions) and from multiple experts (by means of regular Delphi Analyses and modified Delphi Analyses). It also provides explanations and potential project developments for the situations in which specifications change after the development of the product has commenced. Moreover, an example of a modified Delphi Analysis is presented, that illustrates the points made.

In the end, the characteristics of the ideal process of defining the product's specifications are shown.

This course is beneficial for engineers who are familiar with product design, have been involved in successful development of custom designed products and would like to acquire additional organizational skills related to project management.