Product Development Standard

Product Development Standard#

Context#

All products should be fully defined in accordance with this standard.

Feedback#

  1. More concrete deliverables. What do I name these documents/files, where do I put them, what should they contain…

  2. Brainstorm more ideas and begin to create real-time models.

Product development is to consist of defining a product (good/service) in the following location …

The following is the list of deliverables:

Product Development is to follow the process laid out below:

Define#

Product development refers to the entire process of bringing a new product to market or improving an existing one. This process includes:

Organization#

  1. Organization - All existing or new documentation will be saved in the directory named /ProductDevelopment. - Inside /ProductDevelopment will be a folder named /ProductName. - Inside /ProductName, there will be the folders /Brainstorm, /WebDesign, /Financial, /Proposal, /Prototype, /Implementation, /ProductSales. - File Path: ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName

Idea Generation#

  1. Brainstorming - Brainstorming and gathering potential ideas for new products or improvements to existing ones. - All conversations are written and noted down in a shared Word document that will be saved in a folder labeled Brainstorm. - The Word document will be labeled “ProductNameCompanyName”.

Draft Web Content#

  1. Decide on Features/Functionality of Project - Before designing, the project scope should be clearly defined. - Decide on the features, purpose, and functionality of the project. i.e. what does it do, what does it accomplish. - Narrow down the scope into something tangable and measurable, write out what the feature does, and what the functionality of it is. - Define what the feature does by answering the question: “What capability will users have with this feature?” In one sentence, answer the question starting with “User can…”. - Define the functionality of the feature by writing a list describing how the application will work from the perspective of the user.

  2. Create Rough Draft Design in Canva - This should be under the company Canva login and adhere to the naming convention of “ProductNameWebDesign” and created in the Canva project folder named ExactServices/WebDesign. - Begin by creating a preliminary design using Canva. - Include all necessary content such as written text, images, and any graphic elements. - Ensure the layout is visually appealing and communicates the intended message clearly. - Save WebDesign documentation in PDF format in the location ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Proposal/ProductNameWebDesign.

  3. Refine Webpage in Figma - Transition the rough draft from the following location: ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Proposal/ProductNameWebDesign into Figma for more detailed adjustments and enhancements. - Refine the design for responsiveness, typography, alignment, and any interactivity elements. - Make necessary design iterations to ensure a professional and polished final version.

  4. Write Out React Components List - Write out every React component necessary for creating the project. Create an excel sheet in the project folder. - Write out the name of each component as will be written in the .tsx file, the description of what the component does.

  5. Write Out Project Tasks in Monday.com - Create the project in Monday.com copying the necessary template if there is one. - Breakdown the project into as many tangable, quantifiable tasks as possible. - Set a timeline for each task as accurately as possible.

  6. Develop Web Content Within Repository - Finalize the design in Figma, ensuring it is ready for implementation. This should be located in ./WebDesign/ProductName following the naming convention of “ProductNameWebDesignFigma” under the company username. Request access from the Product Development Manager. - Setup the repository and dev environment if applicable. - Create the project following the tasks/steps created in Monday.com and following the styling and layout of figma. - Create the mobile version of the project first, and then the desktop version. - Test the website features.

  7. Publish to development domain - Publish the project to the development domain.

  8. Publish to production domain - Merge and publish the completed webpage to the main branch of the website, making it live and accessible to users. - Publish web content/application to exact.engineering.

Draft Proposal Documents#

  1. Create Professional Proposal in Canva - This should be under the company Canva login and adhere to the naming convention of “ProductNameProposal” and created in the Canva project folder named ExactServices/Docs. - Develop a well-structured and professional proposal using Canva. - Ensure the proposal presents the product in a more detailed and formal manner compared to the website content.

  2. High-Level Product Detailing - Include comprehensive information about the product, such as an overview, product description, features, benefits, and any relevant data. - Ensure that the proposal goes beyond the website’s overview, offering in-depth insights and clarity about the product.

  3. Professional Design - Utilize Canva’s design tools to create visually appealing layouts that enhance the proposal’s readability. - Incorporate branding elements, such as logos, fonts, and colors, to maintain a consistent and professional look.

  4. Completion - Save Proposal documentation as “ProductNameProposal” in PDF format in location ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Proposal.

Draft Billing Documents#

  1. Design Invoice Template in Canva - This should be under the company Canva login and adhere to the naming convention of “ProductNameInvoice” and created in the Canva project folder named ExactServices/Docs. - Develop a clean, professional invoice template using Canva. - Focus on creating a visually appealing layout, including:

    • Company and client information sections

    • Line items for services/products, quantities, and costs

    • Total amount due, payment terms, and conditions.

    • Keep the design flexible for easy adaptation into HTML.

    • Save Invoice documentation as “ProductNameInvoice” in PDF format in location ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Billing.

  2. Design Quote Template in Canva - This should be under the company Canva login and adhere to the naming convention of “ProductNameQuote” and created in the Canva project folder named ExactServices/Docs. - Create a quote template with a similar visual structure to the invoice for consistency. - Include key sections like:

    • Description of services/products

    • Pricing breakdown

    • Terms and conditions for the quote.

    • Design for easy conversion to HTML.

    • Save Quote documentation as “ProductNameQuote” in PDF format in location ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Billing.

  3. Prepare for HTML Integration - Ensure the design is simple enough to be translated effectively into HTML while retaining its professional appearance. - Use consistent fonts, colors, and layouts that can be mirrored in web format. - The goal is to create a template that is both functional for print and adaptable for web-based invoicing and quoting systems. - Add an HTML template document within ./lib/documents using the naming convention of …

Prototype#

  1. Develop the Prototype - Build a functional prototype of the product or application starting inside ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Prototype. - Ensure the prototype includes core features and functionality outlined in the previous scopes… product definition located at … - Use appropriate tools and technologies to create an interactive version that can be tested and iterated on.

  2. Follow the Development Scopes - The prototype should align with the specifications and objectives laid out for the developers. - Ensure all key components, user flows, and interactions are accurately represented in the prototype. - Include placeholder content, if necessary, but maintain functional logic and workflows.

  3. Testing and Feedback - Perform initial testing of the prototype to ensure it behaves as expected. - Gather feedback from testers to identify any issues or improvements needed before the full development process begins. - Feedback from customers will be documented in a Word document called “FeedbackProductName”.

  4. Iterate and Refine - Based on feedback, refine the prototype to better match user requirements and address any functionality gaps. - Document changes made from feedback in the same document labeled “FeedbackProductName”. - The prototype should evolve with each iteration, getting closer to the final product.

  5. Developer Handoff - Once the prototype is finalized, hand it off to the development team with detailed documentation. - Ensure the developers have access to all necessary assets, design files, and interaction notes to begin full-scale development.

Initial Sale#

  1. Excel Sheet - Create an Excel sheet named ProductNameSales and save it to ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/ProductSales. - Sheets in ProductNameSales:

    • SalesList

    • CustomerFeedback

    • ProductUpdates

  2. Sell the First Iteration - Market and sell the initial version of the product or service to early adopters or target customers. - Clearly communicate the product’s value proposition and any known limitations as part of the first release. - Establish pricing strategies, payment terms, and delivery options for the initial sale.

  3. Gather Customer Feedback - After the initial sale, actively engage with the customer to gather feedback on their experience. - Use surveys, interviews, or direct communication to understand areas of satisfaction and areas for improvement. - Document feedback regarding product performance, usability, features, and any pain points.

  4. Evaluate and Analyze Feedback - Analyze customer feedback to identify patterns, critical issues, or opportunities for enhancements. - Prioritize feedback based on impact and feasibility for future iterations or updates.

  5. Iterate and Improve - Use the insights gained from customer feedback to refine and improve the product or service. - Plan for updates or revisions that address customer needs, improving the overall user experience. - Ensure that feedback-driven changes align with the long-term product development strategy.

Sales Strategy and Roles#

Please refer to Summary of Sales Specialist in roles of mechanical design.

Project Management Strategy and Roles#

Please refer to Summary of Production management in roles of mechanical design.

Implementation#

  1. Excel Sheet - Create an Excel sheet named ProductNameImplementation and save it to ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Implementation. - Sheets in ProductNameImplementation:

    • Procedures

    • Tools

    • Training

    • Consumables

  2. Procedures - Define clear and detailed procedures for implementing the product or system. - Outline step-by-step instructions to ensure proper setup, configuration, and operation. - Include troubleshooting guidelines and maintenance schedules to ensure smooth operation post-implementation.

  3. Tools - Identify and provide all necessary tools required for the installation, configuration, or operation of the product. - Ensure that tools are readily available and appropriately calibrated for use. - Document tool usage instructions to support both the implementation team and end-users.

  4. Training - Offer comprehensive training programs to ensure users and administrators are fully prepared to operate and maintain the product. - Training should cover both basic operations and advanced features, as well as troubleshooting and routine maintenance. - Provide training materials, such as manuals, video tutorials, and hands-on workshops, to reinforce learning.

  5. Consumables - Identify any consumables required for the product’s operation, such as materials, parts, or supplies that need to be replaced or replenished regularly. - Ensure a reliable supply chain for consumables to avoid disruption in the product’s use. - Document guidelines for monitoring and replacing consumables as needed.

Financial#

  1. Excel Sheet - Create an Excel sheet named ProductNameFinancials and save it to ./ProductDevelopment/ProductName/Financials. - Sheets in ProductNameFinancials:

    • LaborCost

    • MaterialCost

    • Pricing

  2. Job Costing Requirements - Identify and document all direct and indirect costs associated with the job, including:

    • Labor costs (e.g., wages, benefits, overtime)

    • Material costs (e.g., raw materials, parts, supplies)

    • Overhead costs (e.g., utilities, rent, equipment depreciation).

    • Establish a system for tracking and managing job-specific expenses throughout the project lifecycle.

    • Ensure all costs are accurately allocated to the job for proper cost control and profitability analysis.

  3. Determine Appropriate Pricing - Analyze job costs to ensure pricing covers all expenses and allows for a reasonable profit margin. - Consider the following factors when determining pricing:

    • Market conditions and competitor pricing

    • Customer willingness to pay

    • Value proposition of the product or service

    • Desired profit margins.

    • Use cost-plus pricing, value-based pricing, or competitive pricing strategies to set a fair and sustainable price.

    • Regularly review and adjust pricing to reflect changes in costs, market trends, and customer demand.

Product Release#

  1. Release Content via Web - Publish product release details on the company website, including:

    • Product description, features, and benefits

    • High-quality images, videos, or interactive elements showcasing the product

    • Clear call-to-action (CTA) for purchasing, contacting, or requesting more information.

    • Optimize web content for search engines (SEO) to enhance visibility and reach.

    • Ensure the product release page is mobile-responsive and accessible across all devices.

  2. Targeted Email Campaign - Create a targeted email campaign to inform the recipient list about the product release. - The email should include:

    • An engaging subject line to capture attention

    • A brief introduction to the product with key selling points

    • Links to the product page or purchase options

    • Contact information for further inquiries.

    • Segment the email list to ensure personalized messaging based on customer demographics or previous purchasing behavior.

    • Track email open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to assess the success of the campaign.

  3. Coordinate Release Timing - Ensure the web content and email campaign are launched simultaneously or in a coordinated manner to maximize impact. - Schedule email sends and web content updates during peak times for target audiences.

  4. Monitor and Optimize - Continuously monitor website traffic, engagement metrics, and email campaign performance. - Make adjustments to the content, CTA, or outreach strategy based on real-time feedback and data.