Contrasting similarities and differences between academia and industry: evaluating processes used for product development

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process-based similarities and differences between academia and industry projects engaged in product design and development. The literature discusses similarities and differences between various product development processes but there is little published regarding the methods used, the time spent in different stages, iterations between stages and the nature of the activities that happen in each stage in academia and industry. To investigate this two case studies of product development; one from academia and one from industry were contrasted using the framework of Ulrich and Eppinger’s product design and development process, combined with Frayling’s research model into, through and for design. This paper visually maps the differences and similarities between academic and industry product development processes used in timber products and construction sectors.