NTT DX Partner Corporation
Utilizing the “Fictitious Product Mall”, we will provide a “Fictitious Product Trial Plan” for manufacturers free of charge to only five companies, which takes approximately two weeks from idea generation to demand verification.
~New product production business that turns new product development into a successful experience~
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NTT DX Partner, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Takashi Abe, hereinafter referred to as NTT DX Partner) has created a “fictitious product mall” in preparation for the full-scale launch of its “New Product Production Business” (scheduled for December 2024). We will be offering the “Fictitious Product Trial Plan”, a new product planning workshop that utilizes consumer participation, free of charge to only five manufacturing companies (hereinafter referred to as “manufacturers”). Prior to that, we will be recruiting manufacturers who wish to use the plan from August 9th to August 30th, 2024.
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“Fictitious Product Mall” is a function that uses AI to propose unique product ideas (hereinafter referred to as fictitious products) by combining the technological capabilities of manufacturers and the needs of consumers, and “the ability to determine how much support each fictitious product receives.” This is an unprecedented new product development platform that has a function to visualize the results.
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Utilizing the “imaginary product mall” makes it possible to develop products based on consumers’ needs, making it easier to predict demand and increasing the success rate of commercialization. By creating experiential value for consumers that makes them think, “I can do it,” and increasing engagement with manufacturers and products, it is possible to gather many potential fans even before the product is developed.
Many media-related people gathered at the presentation of “Start of New Product Production Business” held in Tokyo on July 24, 2024, and it was featured in articles and programs, and X’s “Fictitious Product Mall” The community is becoming more active, and the initiative is already attracting attention.
*2024/7/24 news release
https://www.nttdxpn.co.jp/information-all/detail/news_20240724 1. Overview of “Fictitious Product Trial Plan”
We will hold half-day workshops across the country that bring together manufacturers and consumers. By also utilizing the alpha version of the “Fictitious Product Mall”, we will be able to provide new product planning with an unprecedented sense of speed, taking approximately two weeks from idea generation to demand verification. Manufacturers and consumers share their experiences through a half-day online or offline workshop, utilize the “imaginary product mall” to come up with new products based on the manufacturer’s technological capabilities, and verify demand. This is a trial plan.
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2. Three features of the “Fictitious Product Trial Plan”
1. A fictitious product is created in half a day by combining generative AI and consumer needs (“there are things”)
Consumers who participated in the workshop shared a number of “things” related to the theme, narrowed down which “things” they most identified with, and created a hypothetical product (product outline, image, etc.) that would solve those problems. Generate it in half a day using generation AI.
[Fictional product image generated by AI]
[Image 4: https://prtimes.jp/i/142312/2/resize/d142312-2-570646594ee6b3190b4c-3.png&s3=142312-2-a1f26745dc0c4ea1e12621ae5e75a3e1-701×446.png ]
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2. Improving the quality of fictitious products through an expert support system At the workshop, we will support the creation of high-quality fictitious products based on consumers’ “existence” through facilitation by experts who have planned numerous new products.
[Image 6: https://prtimes.jp/i/142312/2/resize/d142312-2-1e83c870cfcf69c2ea1d-5.jpg&s3=142312-2-cd5abd26c9da6beaa3a28cfb8646af2a-1381×917.jpg] 3. Product design for a specific fictitious product at a later date and verify demand for the fictitious product
We will verify demand through tweets and campaign measures on X, and visualize how many “want” requests will be gathered. Based on that data, the manufacturer holding the workshop can decide whether to use fictitious products.
[Demand verification campaign image]
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3.About applying for the “Fictitious Product Trial Plan”
・When we start offering the alpha version of “Fictitious Product Mall,” we will provide free information to only 5 companies. ・Workshops will be held at various locations across the country until November 30, 2024.
*The application deadline is Friday, August 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. *If there are a large number of applications, we will select the implementing company. Please note that we cannot answer any questions regarding the selection process or the reasons for acceptance or rejection.
*Please check and agree to the terms and conditions listed in the form below before applying.
Click here to apply
https://forms.gle/dneGTiGhWrfQS88Z8
4. Process after application
The following six phases will be implemented from the start of the workshop to its conclusion.
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1.kickoff meeting
Preliminary meeting for the workshop.
(Date, location, theme, number of participants, etc.)
2.Conclusion of confidentiality agreement
3.Preparation for recruitment/Start of recruitment of participants Preparations for recruitment of participants at both companies’ X, information on interviews with media outlets, etc.
4.Participant application – participant selection
If there are too many people, select participants.
5.Holding a workshop
A half-day workshop was held.
A specific product is determined from the fictitious products of the day, and demand is verified using X for the product designed at a later date.
6.Demand verification after workshop
Visualize how many people want a fictitious product and decide whether to adopt it or not.
■Inquiries from the manufacturer regarding this matter
NTT DX Partner Co., Ltd.
Mail：info@nttdxpn.co.jp