“Lean” or “Knowledge-based” Product Development

I have a link to a fascinating article on knowledge-based product development at Toyota. A key concept is that knowledge is a key resource in NPD and must not be wasted but must flow to where it is needed.

Two of the most popular postings on this blog have been about slogans from new service developers in rapid changing Internet services:

1. Crummy Trials Beat Deep Thinking. (BJ Fogg)
2. The cost of Trying is lower than the cost of Analyzing. (Clay Shirky)

Based on the experience of a heavy traditional Japanese manufacturer we have a third related slogan:

   3.   Test first, then Design. (M. Kennedy)

The full article is here. I recommend it:

http://manufacturing.cadalyst.com/manufacturing/CAE/Lean-Product-Development-Gets-Its-Due/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/530257?ref=25