Focus on implementation: a framework for lean product development

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a step‐by‐step implementation framework for lean product development (LPD), from the marketing research on product development process, product design to the launch of final production. Design/methodology/approach The research approach taken in this paper is built around the primary industry cases, practical approaches and partial solutions available within the existing literature. Findings The most recent improvement of LPD, from the authors' perspective, focuses on tools and implementation for LPD. In this paper, a detailed step‐by‐step implementation is given after the framework is introduced. Led by value and waste analysis in product development, different tools and techniques which can be used to eliminate wastes were discussed briefly, and then the implementation from Doing the Right Thing to Doing the Right Thing for company transition to lean were proposed elaborately. Research limitations/implications Due to time and economic environment limitations, the authors have not covered and implemented this approach in all existing different environments to ensure that it is robust. Originality/value The approach described here seeks to overcome other frameworks' weaknesses in terms of the realistic aspect and feasibility, and combines more existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a step‐by‐step framework for the achievement of effective LPD.