In the context of product development, a concept is a clearly written and possibly visual description of the new product idea that includes its primary features and consumer benefits, combined with a broad understanding of the technology needed. The concept stage is typically the first step in the product development process. Therefore, it is vital to have a well-defined concept before proceeding to subsequent phases such as design, prototyping, and testing. In addition, a good concept should capture the essence of the proposed product and provide enough information to allow stakeholders to make informed decisions about whether to pursue further development.
A concept may also include a preliminary marketing plan or business model in some cases. When developing a new product concept, it is essential to consider the needs of potential customers and what would make the proposed product appealing to them. It is also necessary to assess any technical challenges that will need to be overcome to bring the concept to fruition. Once the idea has been developed, it can then be used as a roadmap for subsequent stages of product development.