Product conceptualisation is the process of making an idea into something that can be produced. You do this by removing some details that would be too expensive to produce.
For example, if someone wanted to create a metal chair, they could spend time figuring out which type of metal would work best and what type of welding techniques should be used. If this person was designing a wooden chair, these details would be eliminated because they are not necessary for wood.
How does product conceptualisation work?
Conceptualisation requires a constant back and forth between designers and engineers. As the design begins to take shape, new questions will arise that must be answered before any further development can be done. For this reason, there are deadlines in place so that both parties know when they have to produce certain details needed for the next stage.
How does product conceptualisation fit in with other stages?
Conceptualisation is part of pre-development, which comes before prototyping and testing. The more detailed information that can be created during this time, the better the finished product will be. For example, an initial design concept might just have a few sketches, but the product's final design should have colour schemes, suggested materials and even a 3D model.
Where does product conceptualisation come from?
The initial idea for a product is known as the concept. This can come from an engineer or designer, but it also might be inspired by other products on the market. Some products even start out as failed prototypes that were not well received and must go through several design changes before they become successful. For this reason, the concept and initial stages of design will be subjected to testing and feedback to make sure there are no problems with the product.
Product conceptualisation is an important part of any development project. It sets the foundation for other designers and engineers, helping them create a fully functional product that meets all of its objectives.