Environment analysis
Products and technologies
Before developing an information product, the characteristics of the product and the resulting requirements for the information product must be determined. Conversely, there may also be requirements for the product from the information product.
An information product must describe all functions and conditions relevant to the user. Product analysis determines the product structure and possible variants that must be taken into account in the information product. Another aspect of product analysis is product use in each phase of the product life cycle. In addition, the product technology used is examined, and conclusions are drawn about its level of familiarity and expected user knowledge. Possible interactions between the information product and the product must be taken into account. Features of the product, such as a display, for example, have an influence on how an information product can be presented or provided.
The results of this process step must be taken into account in the development of the concept and implemented during its creation.
- Acquisition of product knowledge (technologies, application, risks, security aspects, etc.) and features of the product (e.g. data transfer, help integration, operation and control via app, interfaces) in order to develop information products
- Analysis of the product structure, operating elements, product features, functions and product use (including accessories and spare parts) in each phase of the product life cycle (e.g. commissioning, operation, use, maintenance, service, repair, disposal) and the relevant information (e.g. compatibility with predecessor/successor product, changes, development)
- Product life cycle (e.g. commissioning, operation, maintenance, service, repair, disposal) and relevant information (e.g. compatibility with predecessor/successor product, changes, development)
- Analysis of product variants
- Analysis of interfaces and integration into systems (plant engineering IT and communication systems, Internet of Things)
- Specific requirements for electronic information products (e.g. integration of context-sensitive help or embedded help in software, device and system control, connection of the product to LAN/Internet)
- Analysis of product use (e.g. use case analysis, task analysis, observation, context interviews, customer journey, touch point analysis)
- Planning, implementation and evaluation of a specific method for analyzing product use; principles and systematic problems
- Use of results from the analysis of product usage for the concept of the information product
- Features of the product (e.g. operating elements, display) and the resulting requirements, restrictions and possibilities for the information product (e.g. data transmission, operation and control via app, interfaces)
- Requirements for the product based on the information product (e.g. how the product must be designed to provide the information product, e.g. storage of information, codes)
- Specific requirements for electronic information products (e.g. integration of context-sensitive help or embedded help in software interfaces)
- Analysis of the technologies used and level of awareness of these among the target group (e.g. whether technology is known or unknown)
- Derivation of consequences from the analysis of the technologies used for the concept of the information product (e.g. whether technology is known or unknown, whether a market launch is involved or the product is established on the market)
- Competitive analysis and its use in the field of technical communication
- Comparison of information products with corresponding products from competitors (e.g. benchmarking)