Design Approaches and Decisions Employed During Low-Volume Product Development: A Case Series of Assistive Technology Commercialization

Abstract The design and commercialization of assistive technology (AT) is fraught with many challenges, including market uncertainty and the constraints of low-volume production. AT refers to products or services that help individuals with disabilities sustain or enhance their abilities, whether functional or cognitive. Orphan AT, characterized by a smaller target market and production volume, exhibits high rates of market failure. To understand how Orphan AT developers navigate the process of creating commercially viable products, semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify key factors influencing their product development decisions. This case series pinpoints the obstacles said developers encounter and the strategies they use to overcome commercialization barriers. The interviews included questions regarding their activities and decisions throughout the entire product development process, from conceptual design to manufacturing and production. Many AT developers acknowledged the value of market research and stakeholder engagement but struggled to execute these effectively, instead focusing on manufacturing considerations. Insights gained from this study have helped identify fundamental input parameters for a data-driven AT design tool that aims to support developers in making informed design decisions and reduce the probability of market failure.