{"id":37426,"date":"2024-06-21T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/?p=37426"},"modified":"2024-06-20T17:35:15","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T21:35:15","slug":"pursuing-perfection-craftsmanship-in-product-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/pursuing-perfection-craftsmanship-in-product-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Pursuing Perfection: Craftsmanship in Product Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Be among the first to get the latest insights from LEI\u2019s Lean Product and Process Development<\/a> (LPPD) thought leaders and practitioners. This article was delivered to subscribers of <\/em><\/em>The Design Brief<\/a>, LEI\u2019s newsletter devoted to improving organizations\u2019 innovation capability.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our last two Design Briefs<\/em> focused on important aspects of quality. The first<\/a> was on improving quality in development, and the second<\/a> addressed leveraging manufacturing know-how during development, to make things well. This Design Brief <\/em>examines another, perhaps more elusive characteristic of quality, craftsmanship. We also discuss what it takes to grow the designers and engineers who can deliver it, and finally, the benefits for your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what do I mean by craftsmanship? You can recognize craftsmanship in products and services by the precise execution of their essential characteristics. Elimination of the superfluous and the simple elegance and seamless fit of the elements that remain. These products feel, look, sound, and at times even taste well made. They are, in short, a joy to experience. However, in a world of the disposable that values speed and novelty more than enduring excellence, they are increasingly the exception despite their exceptional value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why? That\u2019s hard to say. I suspect there are several reasons unique to each organization\u2019s circumstances. Some think it doesn\u2019t apply to their business. Some are just too distracted with day-to-day survival to give it much thought. Still, others no doubt think craftsmanship is an archaic and esoteric concept that applies only to artisans and has little to do with today\u2019s technology-driven development or the designers and engineers who engage in it. Or perhaps they just don\u2019t think the benefit is worth the effort. Who am I to say they are wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are a couple of things you may still wish to consider. Product development remains an inherently creative endeavor dependent on the capabilities and motivation of skilled people. And despite the availability of similar technologies, individual organizations have significantly different outcomes in product development. There are, of course, many reasons for this. But one undeniable reason is the skills of the people involved and the way they approach their work every day. I believe that organizations that enable people to pursue mastery of their respective disciplines create better products, have more productive cultures, and happier people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is no craftsmanship without craftsmen.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First, please note that I use the term craftsman in a completely gender-neutral way. Becoming a craftsman is a uniquely personal decision. It requires that you commit yourself to the continuous development of your craft. Traditionally, craftsmen developed their skills through apprenticeship to those masters of the craft who came before them.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although we typically think of apprenticeships in skilled trades, engineers and designers should not be afraid to embrace this paradigm. I have written before about my own experience as an apprentice working for a demanding German tool maker. It was difficult and not always pleasant \u2013- but the feeling of finally getting it right was almost intoxicating. I found the same process worked in engineering and later in leadership. The pursuit of mastery is nearly universal. For anyone considering this path, keep these principles in mind:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n