1. Preliminary specifications

First, we decide which tool we're going to develop.

It sounds easy, but this first step is much more comprehensive than you think.

We start by raising key questions. What is the tool supposed to do? How often will it be used? For how long? With one hand, or two? How refined is the end-result? Should the tool be capable of performing several tasks, or just one?

Who will use the tool? What build will the user have? How strong? What work skills will he or she have? What experience? Will the user have large hands? How much will user hands vary? How is this type of tool usually used? In which working postures? For what kinds of jobs? Are protective clothes worn? Or gloves?

What are the typical working conditions? What positions will users have while they are using the tool? Is the tool usually fixed in place, or does it move about?

What about the work environment? Temperature? Humidity? Visibility? Vibrations? Noise? Dirt?

Are additional accessories required? If so, when are they used? What kinds of demands will be made on the tool?

How large should the tool be? Should it come in different sizes? What would be the ideal shape? Maximum weight? Minimum weight? Which materials are most suitable? And which are unsuitable? What are the appropriate performance parameters? What kind of force should the tool resist?

Do any international standards apply? Does legislation vary from one country to another?

We find the answers by interviewing users and observing the way they work, and by drawing on our own experience. Using this data, we develop the specifications for the new tool. But this is only the beginning. At this stage, nothing is final. Our preliminary specifications may change at any time if new and better ideas emerge later in the development process.