Short answer

Adopt a structured, step-by-step approach, focusing on key business model dimensions, when developing product-service system proposals to ensure comprehensive and viable concepts.

Field
Innovation & Design
Source
Academic Publication (2015)
Method
Systematic literature review, expert consultation, and an explorative case study.
Evidence
Moderate effect

A systematic method can guide companies through the complex 'fuzzy front-end' of innovation to develop viable product-service system (PSS) proposals, thereby facilitating the adoption of new business models. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Academic Publication. Using Systematic literature review, expert consultation, and an explorative case study., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a structured, step-by-step approach, focusing on key business model dimensions, when developing product-service system proposals to ensure comprehensive and viable concepts.

Study
Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Structured Method for Developing Product-Service System Proposals Accelerates Business Model Innovation

A systematic method can guide companies through the complex 'fuzzy front-end' of innovation to develop viable product-service system (PSS) proposals, thereby facilitating the adoption of new business models.

Academic Publication · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01A structured, step-by-step method can effectively guide the development of PSS proposals.
  • 02The method addresses key business model dimensions, providing a comprehensive framework.
  • 03Support elements within the method enhance user understanding and application.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Adopt a structured, step-by-step approach, focusing on key business model dimensions, when developing product-service system proposals to ensure comprehensive and viable concepts.

How to apply

When conceptualizing a new product or service offering that integrates both physical products and associated services, use a structured framework that systematically addresses value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and operational aspects.

Project actions

  • 01When designing a product-service system, think about how the service components support the product and vice-versa.
  • 02Consider using a structured method or framework to ensure all aspects of the business model are addressed during the ideation phase.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop and evaluate a method that assists in the creation of product-service system (PSS) proposals for new or existing business models.
MethodSystematic literature review, expert consultation, and an explorative case study.
ProcedureA method, named Configurator of PSS Proposals, was developed through a systematic literature review and expert consultation. This method consists of eight steps, each addressing a specific business model dimension (e.g., value proposition). Tasks within each step are supported by informational 'help elements' containing examples and best practices. The method was then applied in a case study to develop a PSS proposal for a bicycle concept.
ContextBusiness model innovation, product-service systems (PSS), new product development, innovation management.

Variables

IVThe structured method (Configurator of PSS Proposals).
DVThe quality and completeness of the PSS proposal, and the ease of adoption of the PSS business model.
CVIndustry context, specific PSS concept, expertise of the development team.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Provides a structured and systematic approach to a complex problem.
  • +Integrates multiple business model dimensions into the PSS development process.
  • +Supported by literature review, expert input, and a case study validation.

Limitations

The method's applicability might be limited to specific types of PSS or industries. The case study's scope may not fully represent all potential applications.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the method could be assessed by having multiple independent teams apply it to the same PSS concept and comparing the consistency of their proposals. Validity could be enhanced by conducting further case studies across different industries and gathering feedback from industry professionals on the method's practical relevance and effectiveness.

Think critically

To what extent can a standardized method truly capture the creative and often unpredictable nature of innovation in the 'fuzzy front-end,' especially for highly novel product-service systems?

05

Design Principles

"Structure complex innovation processes by breaking them down into manageable steps, each addressing critical components of the desired outcome."

Successfully integrating products and services into a cohesive offering (PSS) is crucial for business innovation and sustainability. However, the initial conceptualization phase, often unstructured, presents a significant barrier. This research offers a structured approach to overcome this, enabling designers and strategists to more effectively explore and define PSS concepts.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Creating new business ideas that combine products and services can be tricky. This research shows that using a step-by-step guide helps people come up with better ideas for these combined offerings, making it easier for companies to adopt them.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this research when discussing the ideation and conceptualization phase of your design project, particularly if it involves product-service systems.
  • 2.Use the structured approach described as a potential methodology for developing your own PSS proposals.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The development of product-service systems (PSS) often faces challenges in the initial conceptualization phase. Research by Barquet (2015) highlights the need for structured methods to navigate the 'fuzzy front-end' of innovation. Their work introduced the Configurator of PSS Proposals, a systematic approach comprising eight steps that address key business model dimensions, thereby facilitating the creation of viable PSS proposals and supporting the adoption of new business models.

09

Source

Academic Publication

Creation of product-service systems (PSS) proposals in the fuzzy front-end

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about structured method for developing product-service system proposals accelerates business model innovation?
Adopt a structured, step-by-step approach, focusing on key business model dimensions, when developing product-service system proposals to ensure comprehensive and viable concepts. Evidence: Academic Publication (2015).
Why does "Structured Method for Developing Product-Service System Proposals Accelerates Business Model Innovation" matter for design?
Successfully integrating products and services into a cohesive offering (PSS) is crucial for business innovation and sustainability. However, the initial conceptualization phase, often unstructured, presents a significant barrier. This research offers a structured approach to overcome this, enabling designers and strategists to more effectively explore and define PSS concepts.
How can designers apply this research?
Adopt a structured, step-by-step approach, focusing on key business model dimensions, when developing product-service system proposals to ensure comprehensive and viable concepts.
What were the main findings?
A structured, step-by-step method can effectively guide the development of PSS proposals.. The method addresses key business model dimensions, providing a comprehensive framework.. Support elements within the method enhance user understanding and application.
What research method was used?
Systematic literature review, expert consultation, and an explorative case study..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Academic Publication.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When conceptualizing a new product or service offering that integrates both physical products and associated services, use a structured framework that systematically addresses value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and operational aspects.
What are the limitations?
The method's effectiveness may vary depending on the complexity of the PSS and the industry context. The case study was limited to a single concept (bicycle).