Learn the difference between new product development and new product introduction, two important phases of the product lifecycle.

As a product designer, you will undoubtedly experience both the new product development and new product introduction phases of a product’s lifecycle at some point. After all, seeing your designs through from prototype to physical product is part of the job. While these two terms may be used interchangeably by some, understanding their differences is critical. 

Read on to learn about both stages, what they are, and how Autodesk Fusion can support teams throughout the product lifecycle.

What is new product development?

New product development is best defined as the design phase of product development where a product is designed from scratch. Within this, the new product development process includes the ideation, research, design, prototyping, and testing of the product. 

Being extremely intensive and important to the product lifecycle, new product development can often take several years to complete. It generally requires a significant investment of time, money, and resources. Overall, the goal of new product development is to create a product that meets the needs of the desired target market and provides a competitive advantage to the company.

As part of the New product development process, product designers are generally among the most important members of the team. Here, product designers are responsible for the product’s appearance, functionality, and user experience. They work closely with engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the product meets the needs of the target market and is viable for manufacturing.

For new product development, an important tool for product designers is Autodesk Fusion. The software provides a complete set of design and engineering tools that can help teams create and test product designs more efficiently. Fusion enables designers to create 3D models, simulate designs, and collaborate with team members in real time. The software also includes tools for prototyping, which can help designers refine their designs and ensure that the final product meets the needs of the target market.

What is new product introduction?

New product introduction is the phase in the product lifecycle where a product gets prepared for introduction to the market. This is essentially the final step in the new product development process. During this stage, the product is introduced to the market and made available for purchase. Ultimately, the is to bring the product to market as quickly and efficiently as possible.

There are many different elements of new product introduction that must be addressed and accounted for by product designers. For example, this stage can encompass manufacturing, marketing, and sales considerations.

Generally, the focus of the product designer during new product introduction is to ensure that the product design is successfully be manufactured, otherwise known as design for manufacturability (DFM). DFM involves working closely with manufacturing teams to ensure that the product is produced according to the design specifications. Some designers even play a critical role in marketing the product, creating packaging, and developing branding strategies that will help the product stand out in the market.

For the best results, product designers need powerful tools like Fusion at their disposal. Fusion provides designers with a complete set of design, engineering, and collaboration tools that can help them create and manage product designs more efficiently. Fusion even includes manufacturing tools that can help designers optimize the manufacturing process, reduce errors, and minimize costs to prepare for new product introduction.

Ready to develop a new product? Explore how Fusion can help: