The PDMA Handbook of Innovation and New Product Development, 4th Edition

PDMA GLOSSARY OF NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TERMS

A/B testing:

A form of multivariate research designed to test and compare two samples or variables. Other forms of multivariate testing, such as conjoint analysis, involve two or more variations and variables.

Agile product development:

An iterative approach to product development that is performed in a collaborative environment by self-organizing teams.

Alliance:

Formal arrangement with a separate organization for purposes of development, and involving exchange of information, hardware, intellectual property, or enabling technology. Alliances involve shared risk and reward (e.g., co- development projects).

Alpha test:

Pre-production product testing to find and eliminate the most obvious design defects or deficiencies, usually in a laboratory setting or in some part of the developing organization’s regular operations, although in some cases it may be done in controlled settings with lead customers. See also beta test and gamma test.

Analyzer:

An organization that follows an imitative innovation strategy, where the goal is to get to market with an equivalent or slightly better product very quickly once someone else opens up the market, rather than to be first to market with new products or technologies. Sometimes called an imitator or a “fast follower.”

Applications development:

The iterative process through which software is designed and written to meet the needs and requirements of the user base, or the process of enhancing or ...