Why Innovation is Built on the ‘Known Unknowns’ Introduction Innovation often comes wrapped in uncertainty. As someone with over 20 years of experience in engineering and product development, I’ve learned that unpredictability isn’t a roadblock—it’s a reality. Whether you’re designing groundbreaking technology or refining an existing product, success lies in embracing and managing the “known […]

The Real Key to Breakthroughs How Does Your Organization Harness a Culture of Innovation? We often talk about innovation—brainstorms, ideas, processes, and technology—but the reality is that real innovation only happens when it’s embedded deeply in an organization’s culture. Tools and processes are helpful, but they’re not the drivers of innovation. It’s the people that

Breaking Through the Barriers of Product Development In today’s fast-paced world, innovation is often reduced to small, iterative improvements rather than sweeping, game-changing breakthroughs. Many organizations, especially those with products that have been around for decades, find it hard to embrace something truly new. The fear of risk often outweighs the desire for significant change.

Adapting to Change How Companies Can Thrive in an Evolving Landscape The only certainty in business is change. And, since that’s the case, I often wonder how many organizations truly take this reality into account. Lately, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with friends, colleagues, and sitting in on presentations by various business owners. A

The Balance of Planning and Flexibility in Product Development “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” This famous quote underscores the importance of planning. However, as I’ve discussed in previous posts, having a rigid plan can stifle creativity and collaboration. The key to successful product development lies in finding a balance between planning and flexibility.

The Importance of Iterative Design in Engineering Enhancing Creativity and Advancing Solutions for OEMs For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), maintaining a competitive edge is essential for success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through an iterative design process. Creating multiple iterations of prototypes leads to more innovative and advanced solutions, ensuring

The Power of Simplicity in Product Design and Development In our fast-paced world, simplicity often gets overlooked. This post challenges you to evaluate your processes and adopt a simpler approach. Whether it’s product design, development systems, or workplace environments, overcomplication can hinder productivity. Let’s explore how simplifying can lead to more effective results. Simplifying Product

Maximizing New Product Development in Your Organization New product development (NPD) is a critical aspect of any organization aiming for growth and innovation. It’s not just about having the right technology or resources; it’s about integrating these elements into a cohesive, efficient, and value-driven process. Here’s how you can treat new product development to ensure

The Fine Line Between Cutting-Edge and Practical: A Closer Look at Product Development In the fast-paced world of product development, there’s a constant temptation to pack the latest tech into new products. But does this meet the needs of the people who use them? Let’s explore why it’s crucial to keep real-world applications in mind

Transforming Your Million-Dollar Idea into Reality with Big Rocks Engineering Everyone has a brilliant idea at some point — but what truly matters is how you develop it. At Big Rocks Engineering, a common question we face from inventors and product developers is whether we invest or work for free on new projects. While we

Elevating Your New Product Development Strategy: A Guide to Prioritization and Scheduling In the bustling world of small businesses, where multitasking becomes second nature, it’s easy for new product development to be relegated to the “when time permits” category. Yet, for companies aiming to stay competitive and innovate, giving these projects the attention they deserve

Letting Go to Move Forward: Embracing Change for Success In our professional journeys, clinging to familiar designs, concepts, and strategies is a natural tendency. It’s a comfort zone that feels safe, whether with customers, in relationships, or in various aspects of our lives. However, the true essence of progress and the key to unlocking genuine

The Critical Role of Customer Feedback in Product Development In the realm of business and personal relationships, a common pitfall is the assumption that we understand more than we do. This especially rings true when it comes to interpreting customer needs and desires. The presumption that we know what the customer wants, how much they

The Key Duo for OEM Innovation: Visionaries and Integrators Innovation isn’t just about groundbreaking ideas; it’s about the synergy between two distinct personalities: the visionary and the integrator. Drawing inspiration from Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), this blog post delves into how these roles are pivotal in the team dynamics of product development, ultimately

Simplifying Product Development for OEMs: Embracing Usability Over Perfection In the fast-paced world of product development, a common adage often circulates among engineers and designers: “If you want a project to be completed, take it away from the engineer.” This statement, albeit blunt, highlights a critical tension within the engineering community. It brings to light

Navigating the Product Development Process: Balancing Innovation with Structure In the world of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the journey of bringing an idea to market is fraught with decisions about which path to take: agile, waterfall, or something entirely unique. The question often arises: What does your product development process look like? However, in the

Empowering Innovation: Bridging the Skills Gap with Big Rocks Engineering In today’s world, we often find ourselves asking, “What am I doing to get better at what I do? How about my team? Are we setting aside time—be it daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly—to learn something new, to sharpen our skills? Or are we

Navigating the Innovation Maze: Strategies for OEMs and Startups In the fast-paced world of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and startups, the question isn’t just about having the time to innovate; it’s about making innovation a top priority amidst a sea of challenges. You’re juggling tight resources, operational demands, and the ever-present clock ticking away. So,

Continual Improvement: The Path to Sustainable Growth If you feel like you’re moving too slowly, you might just be on the right track. Continual improvement, whether in personal or business life, often elicits a desire for instant results—it’s human nature. However, lasting success rarely comes instantly; it requires postponing immediate gratification for future gains. Think

The Power of Follow-Up: A Blueprint for Successful B2B Product Development In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B manufacturing, the art of bringing new products to life is both an exhilarating and challenging journey. At the heart of this process lies the criticality of follow-up and the strategic breakdown of tasks into short milestones. These principles