The real cost of a wrong product decision

At first, it all seems simple.

There’s an idea.
There’s enthusiasm.
There’s a desire to get to market as soon as possible.

So, a decision is made. Quickly.

Materials. Technology. Design. Suppliers.

The problem is that many of these decisions are made too early.
And when the real constraints become apparent, it’s costly to backtrack.

There is a lack of information in the early stages.

• you really don't know how it will be produced
• you don't know the limits of electronics
• You haven't verified the actual use

And yet that is precisely where the most far-reaching decisions are made.

Every choice blocks something.

• The geometry determines the mold
• One component constrains the supply chain
• A technical solution limits the options

Once the project is underway, it becomes difficult to make changes.

And it's expensive.

Going fast isn't enough.

If you're heading in the wrong direction,
you're just getting to the problem sooner.

Many projects are picking up speed:

• prototypes released too early
• investments in unproven solutions
• Production began without resolving the critical issues

Product development isn't just about adding features.

It means "remove."
It means "select."
It means "postpone."

The best decisions are often the ones that avoid mistakes:

• Don't rush into choosing a technology
• Don't finalize the design too early
• Don't start production without conducting real-world testing

The cost of a wrong decision is not just financial.

It's a waste of time.
It's a matter of credibility.
It's wasted energy.

And often, it’s a product that never actually makes it to market.