Proactive product development integrating consumer requirements

Abstract

Purpose -This paper presents a model for an effective product development process, which is now becoming increasingly critical to success of apparel firms. Design/methodology/approach -This research modeled apparel product development as a market driven process and integrated the consumer purchase decision in the model of proactive product development integrating consumer requirements (PPDICR). The PPDICR links the consumer purchase decision and multiple consumer research strategies to specific stages of the no-interval coherently phased product development model for apparel through 15 avenues of consumer input. Findings -The PPDICR model contributes to our understanding on how consumer input can be used to facilitate the process and through what avenues that input may be acquired. This model provides an effective tool for intra-company to inter-business analysis of consumer input into the apparel product development process.Research limitations/implications -The PPDICR provides a theoretical understanding of apparel production, and is useful to researchers in visualizing the impact of changes in the business environment, integrating research projects, and establishing research priorities. Practical implications -Practitioners may use the model to improve and develop products, select appropriate consumer input, and strategically plan organizational changes. Originality/value -This model is a useful tool for effective product development both for researchers and industrialists alike. It brings in the important element of the integration of consumer information.

An exploration of the relationship between product selection criteria and engagement with 'show-rooming' and 'web-rooming' in the consumer's decision-making process

“…However, Mintel (2013) indicated that consumers consider a wide range of criteria to build perceptions of value, not pricing alone. This is supported by May-Plumlee and Little (2006) who report that there are 13 universal criteria that consumers apply within their decision-process. Price may, therefore, be a principle motivator; however, other factors, like service variables, can also influence consumers to switch to virtual channels.…”

The role of environmental knowledge in young female consumers' evaluation and selection of apparel in South Africa

“…Three garment options were included in this exercise to replicate the principle of the ‘evoked set’, i.e. the set of alternatives actively considered during a consumer's choice process, which is usually between three and five (May‐Plumlee and Little, 2006). Each participant was then asked to select a t‐shirt based on what she thought her best friend would choose and to motivate this choice by discussing their ‘best friend's’ choice.…”

Key issues in developing a garment collection

“…T. May-Plumlee and T. J. Little ( 2006 ), have integrated consumer purchasing decisions within a model of proactive product development which integrates consumer requirements. They indicate which criteria are relevant for the wearers of clothing.…”