Module: Qualify
Phase 4 - Qualify
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Module: Qualify
AGENDA
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Core Concepts
Inputs
Tasks
Tools
Deliverables
Managed Front
End
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New
Product
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Module: Qualify
BETA TEST CONSIDERATIONS
Beta Testing – confirm users’ expectations are met
• Pros: validate product in consumer’s environment
• Cons: cost, fear, others?
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(Product Innovation Educators, 2012)
Module: Qualify
EXAMPLE: TO BETA TEST OR NOT TO BETA TEST?
New Coke versus Pepsi
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(Product Innovation Educators, 2012)
Module: Qualify
EXAMPLE: TO BETA TEST OR NOT TO BETA TEST?
Snapple
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(Product Innovation Educators, 2012)
Module: Qualify
GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
Qualify Solution via Testing
• Prove all aspects of design, reliability, functionality, and
serviceability
• Demonstrate production readiness
• Create and conduct Beta (use) testing
• Finalize plans needed for launch: business case, marketing,
production, quality assurance, distribution, project, etc.
– Risk assessment (environmental, health, safety, and patent)
– Financial information and pricing strategy
– Whole product
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(Product Innovation Educators, 2012)
Module: Qualify
THINGS TO REMEMBER DURING PHASE 4 QUALIFY
• Keep listening to your customers – especially during Beta test!
• Acknowledge and address all risks and flaws that are pertinent
to the customer and the organization.
• Check and test everything twice. Don’t ignore the data.
• You can still kill the project and design a different solution.
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(Product Innovation Educators, 2012)
Module: Qualify
PHASE 4 QUALIFY - INPUTS
• All previous deliverables and decision documents:
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Market Research Plan
Project Plan
Product Requirements Document
Business Case
Protocol Statement
Etc.
• Key items:
– Product availability for Beta Testing
– Financials and pricing strategy
– Production and distribution plans
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Module: Qualify
BETA / USER / FIELD TESTING OR TRIALS
• Definition: Tests that enable customers to use the product in
their environment and directly or indirectly provide feedback
and their experience with the product.
• Answers:
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Does the product work in the customers’ environments?
Is the product acceptable to customers?
Will the customer desire to buy the product for the intended price?
Which product features are the most important to the customer?
What other features or issues need to be considered?
(Cooper, 2011)
Module: Qualify
TASKS
• Beta Test Related:
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Develop Beta Test Plan and Test Protocol
Establish Production Process for Beta
Confirm Reliability and FMEA Requirements
Conduct Beta Tests; Compile & Report Findings
Implement and Test Any Required Changes to Project
Freeze Design Changes and Prepare for Production
• Update / Create Plans
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Update Core Documents
Update Service Plan
Revise Distribution Plan
Prepare Preliminary Market Launch Plan
• Prepare Recommendation for Gate Review
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(Cooper, 2011; Kotler & Trias de Bes , 2011)
Module: Qualify
TOOLS
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Test team
Design team
Production team
Market launch team
Test plan
Test participant agreement
Product to test and consumer materials
Feedback mechanism
Core Documents and other document templates
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Kotler & Trias de Bes (2011)
Module: Qualify
DELIVERABLES
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Updates to core documents
Gate meeting materials
Test plan and protocol
Beta production process
Beta test findings
Ranked design changes
Revised product
Plans
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Production
Service
Distribution
Market launch
Kotler & Trias de Bes (2011)
Module: Qualify
PHASE 4 QUALIFY – GATE AND DECISION
Go, No, Send Back, Refer, Park
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(AIPMM Glossary, 2012)
Module: Qualify
Up Next…Launch
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