Agile product development techniques are transforming the way we develop software. But many people ask, “Can we use agile product development for hardware?” We say, “yes!”
The Annuvia project was broken into four phases or sprints, of about one month each, to mitigate risk and cost:
- Sprint 1. Feasibility: A high-level technical assessment was performed based on the Market Requirement Document (MRD). A regulatory pivot occurred when the team found a way to design the product so that it avoided a Class II medical device classification, thus saving significant development costs and time.
- Sprint 2. Proof of Concept: A full 3D CAD layout and bill of materials (BOM) was completed. A second pivot occurred after significant testing when the team discovered an optimal sensing methodology that was more reliable and scalable than originally planned.
- Sprint 3. Design and Product Requirements Document (PRD): A full mockup was produced, resulting in design testing and enhancements, mechanical design of the cover, and completion of the PRD.
- Sprint 4. Prototype Development: This phase included electrical design, firmware development, and five working prototypes, including BOM, PCB layout, and development of operational documentation and manufacturing production strategy.