It’s a real challenge when you’re trying to develop and launch sophisticated B2B features that don’t play nice with traditional validation methods. The temptation is there to just push out a v1 and cross your fingers, hoping customers will bite. But hold up – there’s a lean-methodology approach that can seriously reduce risk in B2B product development.

So, you’ve done the groundwork with customer interviews, mock-ups, and Mom-test style validation interviews, but painted-door tests are a no-go. What’s next when you’re staring down months of development just to whip up a demo-able prototype? Time to get creative and embrace Joint Development Programs (JDPs) – your secret weapon to conquer it all. In this article, we’ll unpack the ins and outs of JDPs, revealing how you can tap into their potential to tackle those pesky B2B product development hurdles and bring those features to market like a boss.

1. Understanding the Objectives of a Joint Development Program

A JDP aims to achieve the following goals:

• Validate the technical feasibility of a product
• Assess market demand and customer acceptance
• Minimize the risk of feature fragmentation
• Guarantee 5 or more launch customers for your product to kick start adoption

2. Identifying Suitable Customers for Collaboration

For a JDP to succeed, you need to find the right partners. Look for five customers who share a common interest in your product idea and have the necessary resources to contribute to its development. These customers should be willing to commit to a 6-18 week program, or longer if required.

3. Establishing Clear Commitment Expectations

Before initiating the program, ensure that the selected customers understand their commitment requirements. They should be prepared to invest either financial resources or dedicate a significant amount of time to the project. This upfront commitment serves as an indicator of the product’s potential value and justifies the investment of your company’s resources.

4. Setting Up Regular Meetings with Customer Representatives

Communication is key to the success of a JDP. Schedule regular meetings with customer representatives, ideally every two weeks, lasting from 30 minutes to one or two hours. These meetings will allow you to gather feedback, discuss progress, and address any concerns or issues that may arise during the development process.

5. Collaborative Product Development

With the foundation laid, it’s time to involve the customers in the product development process. Leverage their unique perspectives, expertise, and insights to refine the product’s features and functionalities. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the final product aligns with market needs and customer expectations, ultimately reducing the risks associated with product launch.

6. Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Plans

Throughout the JDP, monitor the progress of the project and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. Regularly review the goals, timelines, and deliverables to ensure that the program remains on track. If any challenges arise, address them promptly and collaboratively.

7. Concluding the Joint Development Program

Upon completion of the program, review the outcomes, and evaluate the overall success of the JDP. Assess the value of the collaboration in terms of risk reduction, customer satisfaction, and product marketability. This evaluation will provide valuable insights for future joint development initiatives.

By following these steps, your Joint Development Program can help you reduce risks and create a product that is more likely to succeed in the market.

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

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