Product design is an inherently imperfect process, requiring continuous problem solving of every minute detail until the design meets requirements. Creation is iteration.
How do you make the design process more efficient? Experience and skill go a long way to anticipating and solving problems as early as possible, and of course, technology such as simulation can help.
But technology is no panacea. Trying to improve product development processes is its own imperfect process. Before you invest in new software tools and the skills to use them, how do you know you’re even solving the right problems?
Here are two steps you can take to streamline product development.
Step 1: Step Back
Looking at the big picture offers important insights. Map out the complete path a design takes on the way to prototyping, manufacturing and finally into market — the actual route, with all the detours and backtracking, not an idealized version of it. This helps spot what needs attention. Evaluate how many design iterations and testing cycles are realistically needed now. What are the sources of delays? Cost out each step, and use metrics from past projects to start connecting the dots.
It may not paint a pretty picture, but it goes a long way to figuring out where to target solutions.
Step 2: Shift Left
Simulation may well help you address potentially problematic design processes. Various forms of analysis are increasingly incorporated earlier and more frequently in design cycles — what’s known as “shifting left” on the timeline. Using simpler, faster and less costly simulation tools to optimize designs while making changes are still relatively easy and inexpensive improves the likelihood that you don’t run into big issues later.
A Big Leap Forward
Strategically re-engineering your design process will fuel a better business.
For more, check out our extensive guide on when and how to use simulation: “How Engineering Simulation Can Improve Your Product Development Process: A decision framework for more successful projects.”
