A landscape analysis provides insight to product development.

This research project was aimed at understanding the landscape of stakeholder needs, with a focus on identifying the possibilities for key product features such as privacy, flexibility, and affordability. As part of a design forward research team the project was designed to capture the diverse perspectives of stakeholders and explore how current market solutions align within their evolving needs.

Two-fold analysis.

  • Existing design.

    This step involved extensive examination of product materials, industry articles, case studies, and current product solutions, contextualized by an understanding of cultural norms and the shifting needs of stakeholders.

  • Qualitative research.

    The research team conducted 20 in-depth interviews with industry experts, entrepreneurs, product developers, and sales representatives from various markets across the U. S. These interviews to uncover insights related to product features and stakeholder expectations. Design research methods such as card sorts were used to establish a hierarchy of features, helping to prioritize what stakeholders value most in product development.

  • Broadening the scan.

    To complement the qualitative research, the team developed and distributed a survey to capture broad perceptions and possible user perspectives on key features. This quantitative component provided further insight into how stakeholders across different sectors view product features and trade-offs.

Findings Synthesis

Through the research the design team developed a set of clear design principles and opportunities that were informed by the full spectrum of stakeholders. These principles were intended to guide future product development and ensure that privacy, flexibility, and affordability were addressed in ways that meet the nuanced needs of diverse user groups. By integrating stakeholder perspectives into the design process, this research highlights key opportunities for innovation and alignment with market demands. The results may provide a roadmap for enhancing product offerings in a way that is responsive to evolving consumer expectations and industry trends.