On The Road Again - R&D

Along with rapidly evolving technologies, fast-changing consumer preferences, and accelerated product cycles, R&D departments are under unprecedented strain. No demand, no supply appears to be the modern design mantra. Aiming to stay ahead of the competition, manufacturers openly encourage their users to provide continued feedback via websites, social media, and established sales channels. Are today’s producers too fixated on customer demands? And are we seemingly stuck in a digital age of firmware and software updates in order to maintain extended product lives? We asked a number of UK producers how their R&D experts are adjusting.