Web-supported Product Concept Development

Web-based activities are becoming more and more common. Telephoning free of charge over the Internet (IP - Internet Protocol) has become much used within a short period of time. In a similar way videoconferences can be held in an inexpensive way over the Internet. Equally, radio and TV broadcasting over Internet will become more and more common. It should be possible to use inexpensive web-based support both during the creation of a new product concept and during the following product development. However, two types of dilemma exist: the mental problem and technological problems. In tests in late 2004 and early 2005 we have found that mentally related problems seem to be the most difficult ones to overcome as most people found it of outmost importance to meet in person to be creative. We have also experienced that the technology still is not good enough for combined IP-based meetings. However, the latter is a technology problem that seems easier to be solved. We have experienced that using web-based support can be beneficial in many ways. We believe that in the future the web will be used even in the creative process to bring forward product concepts. As it offers global cooperation without expensive and time consuming travelling, it is of great interest to innovative enterprises.

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