The words Research and Development are often used together, many a times in abbreviated form R&D. However, it is worthwhile to understand these two terms and concepts. The objectives and processes followed for “Research” and “Development” are different. The value systems, the mindsets, and inspiration of individuals engaged in Research, and Development activities are also distinctly different. This book is about Development; however, it would be good to understand how these activities differ. It is possible that one organization may be engaged in both, the research, and development activities. These would normally be treated as different functions. Product development may use some of the knowledge gained in research activity and may have close cooperation with research teams. The focus of product development activities would be using the knowledge gained through research to find solutions to real life problems.
Research
Objective of Research is to develop understanding about natural phenomena. The natural phenomena are observed by people in their day-to-day life, sometimes without even being aware of the phenomena. Common people take the phenomena for granted, without asking any questions about them.
Scientists ask questions about the natural phenomenon, like Sir Isak Newton asking “why do things fall down, and not go up?” Finding answers to such questions is what we will call “Research”. While trying to understand these phenomena, the scientists observe more complex phenomena, using sophisticated instruments. The domain of Scientific Research is “Natural World”, UNIVERSE.
Research activities consist of:
- Making a Hypothesis about the reason for the phenomenon under investigation
- Design an experiment, or a series of experiments to “prove” or “disprove” the hypothesis. The experiments can be physical experiments or so called “thought experiments.”
- Result(s) of experiments either prove or disprove the hypothesis, or sometimes neither prove nor disprove the hypothesis.
- If the hypothesis is proven, we have a new “Scientific Theory.”
- If the hypothesis is not proved, the scientists begin all over again.
- The results are published for other scientists to criticize, or take them further.
The Values, cherished by the researchers are
- Objectivity
- Rationality
- Truth
Research Problems tend to be Infinite Horizon problems. There may not be “Final Answers”. Disproving a Hypothesis is also progress. The answer may not be found, the current knowledge limiting further progress. The Gravitational Force, about which research was initiated by Sir Isaak Newton in CE 1604, is still not completely understood, though a lot of progress has been made. Theory of Everything is still elusive.
Research activities are majorly normally “public funded”, the Governments providing for research through taxpayers’ money.
To succeed in research, one requires “Scientific Thinking”
Development
While research uncovers fundamental truths, it is through development that these truths are often applied to create tangible solutions. Product Development activity involves finding solution(s) to the identified needs, specifically expressed, or otherwise. In this sense, the domain of Product Development is the “Artificial World”. Something that has not existed so far, or not being done so far, is to be created.
Development Activity may consist of:
- Defining the needs and requirements of potential users
- Coming up with possible solutions, the required technologies
- Evaluating Proofs of Concepts
- Synthesis of models, and prototypes
- Detailed design calculations, simulations, refining the prototypes
- Testing and Validation
- Preparing Documentation
The values cherished by the product developers are
- Customer empathy
- Practicality
- Ingenuity
- Concern for Appropriateness
Product development projects are mostly time bound, need to be completed within a reasonable time, with a definite outcome at the end of projects. The development projects may be terminated if there is no success within a reasonable time and cost.
Product Development activities are mostly commercially funded by agencies hoping to derive financial benefits from the resulting products.
To succeed in Product Development, one requires “Design Thinking”
Concept to Concrete 