Grunert, K.G. et al. (2008). User-oriented innovation in the food sector: relevant streams of research and an agenda for future work. Trends in Food Science & Technology, (19), 590-602.
Format: Peer-reviewed article
Type: Research — Non-experimental
Experience level of reader: Fundamental
Annotation: A literature review identifies three general streams of research on the role of a user-orientation in NPD: 1) The formation and identification of user preferences; 2) The management of user-oriented innovation processes, and their interface with user intelligence, production and technological R&D; 3) Interactive innovation where two or more parties collaborate.
Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Federal lab, Government, Large business, Small business (less than 500 employees), University
Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Manufacturers, Researchers
Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization
This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model
Barrier: Users, and in particular consumers, are often not able to articulate their need for really innovative products, because their thinking is framed by the products currently on the market. Also, reactions of potential users when confronted with highly innovative new product concepts are not always reliable, as they may find it difficult to imagine the use of these innovative products in their daily lives.
Literature review.
Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 6.3, Step 6.1, Step 5.3
Model: NPD can be modeled with an understanding of consumer quality perception as the starting point. Specifically, quality to be perceived by consumers is the starting point, and the concrete attributes to be built into the device — those to be communicated to the prospective buyer — should be derived from the quality perceptions.
Occurrence of finding within the model: Stage 4
Tip: Lead Users — Certain users can take on a role as designers to interact with product developers within the company. Lead users are those whose present needs become widespread in a market months or years ahead. Since lead users are familiar with conditions that lie in the future for most others, they can serve as a needs-forecasting laboratory for market research. (von Hippel [2005])
Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 4.2