01 Display Technology: Concept to Customer
Our client invested in researching a new low cost display technology that they believe can radically change the way that people interact with printed media. The technology was so new that it was being developed in the research department at a local university. The client wanted to ensure that the technology was viable, and asked M3 to evaluate it.
We began by reviewing existing information describing the technology and debriefing the client as to what types of applications they intended to apply it. Armed with this information, we began our assessment in three parallel activities.
02 Assessment in the Lab
First, we visited the R&D labs at the university and interviewed the researchers to determine the current state of the technology. Our hands-on approach included monitoring them as they built their samples. By participating in the entire process, we were able to assess the current state of the technology and identify any significant challenges to viability.
03 Understand Competing Technologies
Next, we researched competing technologies. This new display was intended to replace / augment an existing way of doing things with an innovative approach. It was critical that the client understand any competing technologies so that they would have an unbiased view of their likely competition.
04 Create the Action Plan
Finally, after reviewing the critical processes, we researched available manufacturing technologies to verify that the new displays could be built cost effectively.
We wrapped the project up with an extensive written report and also connected the client with several complementary partners to help them make their dream a reality. Our client gained increased confidence that they understood the path forward as well as the critical risk items that faced them. Armed with this information, as well as a set of partners and M3 recommendations, the “laboratory concept” is moving deterministically towards commercialization.
