Hi Adrian

SNIP >>>>
Let me use an example, when Mr Dyson developed his new vacuum cleaner
based on a cyclone it is a new product for him. Due to the success of
this product some competitors change the concept of the old vacuum
cleaners based on a bag to keep the dust, but the function is the same
(i.e. soak up the dust), is this a new version of the same product or a
new product?
SNIP >>>>


An interesting post which has spurred me away from CAD and into a pondering
mode.

I think there are three variables to play with: the product itself, the
underlying utility of the product, and the 'way it achieves its utility'.
I'll take your example of the Dyson vacuum cleaner (incidentally, by the
way, calling it a "vacuum cleaner" we already pigeon-hole it, perhaps it's
better described as a Hoover ;-).  Anyhow...

When the Dyson vacuum cleaner came out, it was a new product (i.e. an
addition to the company's product range) that offered the utility of a
previous product (i.e. electrically powered dirt-collection) but in a new
way (i.e. cyclonic action rather than conventional vacuum).

To my mind, variables 1 is pretty much descriptive and factual and there's
not much scope for confusion.  However, variable 2 (essentially the
description of the utility) can cause problems.  How much (or rather how
little) description do you need before you can nail what it is a product
does / offers, in a utilitarian sense?

Are all electrically powered dirt-collection devices vacuum cleaners?
Are all vacuum cleaners electrically powered dirt-collection devices?

Can a vacuum cleaner be hand-held, or does it then become a 'dust buster'
(e.g. the kind of thing you might use on your car interior).  This is a
context (concept) problem that you allude to.  Are bike lights and torches
really the same product?

Variable 3 can for the most part come down to an assessment of the
technology that provides the product with its utility.  The extent of
'newness' and novelty of the technology can be open to debate.  Take
synthesizers as another example.  The analogue electronics in 1970s models
is very different to the digital electronics prominent today.  Somewhere
along the line one of the manufacturers made the leap between the different
electronics.  That's one way of looking at it.  You could dive in deeper
though, and say that there are differences amongst digital synthesizers that
are sufficiently notable as to be classed novel.  One digital synth (the
Korg Wavestation) creates sounds (the utility) in very different ways to say
the Yamaha FS1R.  Moreover, they sound very different (i.e. their utility -
to produce sound - has a qualitative element that cannot be disregarded).
Therein lies a definite relationships between variables 2 and 3.  I expect
if one was to take a long hard look, you'd find this relationship for all
sorts of products.  Therein also lies the basis of patent applications /
assessments!

Hope this stimulates your thinking further.

Regards,
Owain

....
Dr Owain Pedgley
R&D Industrial Designer
Sports SET Network

www.sportsetnet.org.uk
Tel: 0114 222 7897
Fax: 0114 222 7855