Abstract:

In this paper, an analysis of the literature concerning the definition of the concept of need is proposed. Some limitations are highlighted in the field of innovation management, and particularly during the Front-End phases of the New Product Development Process. Thus, this paper proposes a new four step methodology dedicated to the Front-End. It aims at the identification of the major stakeholders’ needs, their classification, and their evaluation. The theory of attractive quality also known as Kano model is used for requirement assessment and classification. The main contribution of this research is represented by a systemic approach designed for need analysis. This method constitutes a decision aided tool integrating the company strategy and allowing the selection of prior needs to be studied during the new product development process. This article describes the methodology, its theoretical background and the results of its application in the field of the design of Point of Sale Displays (PSD).