This week we mainly learned about product development and brand marketing planning, and also explored materials in depth.
In the first workshop, we took the ‘carrier bags’ as an example to understand the product planning cycles. A product will follow what kind of process, and go through what different steps, then finally consumers could get it. I also found something special about the supply chain cycle. The label of a dress shows that it is made in Morocco, but the research found that the whole production process of the entire dress included five different countries. For example, the fabric was woven and made in China, and the dyeing of the fabric is done in Spain.
Through these two simple examples, I started thinking about my business idea. What are the planning cycles for my personalized tote bag? How many different countries are my supply chain include? In addition, how long will my personalized tote bag take in total from start to finish? As an entrepreneur, how should I manage the time to ensure consumers get the personalized tote bag within a reasonable amount of time.
In the second workshop, we have an in-depth exploration of materials, especially sustainable materials. I had the opportunity to touch various types of physical materials, and all of these materials were very different. Some are extracted from natural plants, and some are human-made, but what they have in common is that there are all sustainable. I also made a mood board under the theme of ‘sustainable’ with my own ideas.
In conclusion, through some in-depth learning of product development this week, I have a lot of new thinking. In future research, I will consider more about the supply chain and critical path of my personalized tote bag. Also, I will think more about the range plan and price hierarchy of this personalized product according to my target consumer group.