Design thinking is a human-centered problem-solving framework rooted in understanding user needs, challenging assumptions, redefining problems, and generating creative solutions. It typically follows five phases: Empathize – Understand the user's needs, context, and pain points. Define – Clearly articulate the problem you're solving. Ideate – Brainstorm and explore a range of creative solutions. Prototype – [...]
Bringing a physical product to life takes more than just a great concept — it requires seamless collaboration between product design, mechanical engineering, marketing, and manufacturing. For product managers, founders, and cross-functional leads, learning to speak each team’s language and clearly communicate your product’s vision is the key to success. Here’s how to do it [...]
Building a great product isn't just about having a brilliant idea—it's about solving real problems for your customers. Prioritizing customer needs and ensuring that your product meets those needs is crucial to success. But how do you identify and prioritize what truly matters, and how can you ensure those requirements translate into your product? Here’s [...]
Strong communication is essential for teamwork, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment. I’m currently writing annual reviews and realizing that clear, concise communication is a skill that needs constant practice. Here are some items I expect from teams. Define Clear Objectives Set clear goals for communication—The ‘Kim Request’ at the beginning of most meetings, including [...]
In today’s new product development, the margin for error is razor-thin. Companies must deliver high-quality products while meeting timelines and controlling costs. A critical tool that enables this balance is early-stage simulations, which allow engineers to predict how products will perform under real-world conditions before physical prototypes are built. By incorporating techniques like Computational Fluid [...]
In today’s fast-paced business environment, launching a product is much more than just coming up with an innovative idea. It’s about understanding the market landscape and deeply aligning with consumer preferences. The most brilliant product ideas can fail if they don’t resonate with the needs and desires of their target audience. This is where understanding [...]
Strategic thinking is the cornerstone of successful product development and engineering. It involves the systematic planning, assessment, and execution of actions that align with long-term goals and visions. Here’s why strategic thinking is indispensable in these fields: 1. Vision Alignment and Goal Setting Strategic thinking helps in setting a clear vision for product development. By [...]
Leadership is both an art and a science, particularly when it comes to guiding engineering teams. Over the years, I’ve gathered a wealth of experience and insights on what it takes to not only lead but also transform engineering teams into high-performing, cohesive units. Here are the key lessons I’ve learned: 1. Building Trust Observing, [...]
Engineers that write well bring a skillset to a team that’s woefully overlooked. HatchOne is helping a startup understand, align and write product documentation from first Design Brief and R&D documents to critical Engineering Specifications. It is reminding me how critical clear, concise writing is for successful product development. Process and Documentation Defining and documenting [...]
HatchOne specializes in getting products to market - especially entrepreneurial product ventures. Recently a lot more of our inquiries are startups and smaller companies looking for guidance on launching their first products. Over the years we’ve accumulated a go-to list of insights on launching products. Below are our Top 10. Getting a product to market [...]
The Brain This blog was originally going to talk about the importance of utilizing the analytical and process side of our brains along with the artistic and creative side in product development. It didn’t take me long to learn that there really isn’t a ‘side’ of the brain one uses versus another, but that all [...]
Business plans are documents that outline the details of a business - usually a startup - and define its objectives and how to achieve specific goals. It’s a written roadmap from marketing, financial and operational perspectives. What’s missing in most business plans is any specifics about the business brand. Most often a ‘brand’ is associated [...]
Kipiis Bib Clips, “Make Anything a Bib” We all have great ideas that make great products; we are all designers. The difference is whether we take action to create the products we imagine. HatchOne’s clients have great ideas and a lot of passion. The initial meet-and-greet involves sharing three basic needs for successful product [...]
