Product Mastery Now for Product Managers, Leaders, and Innovators 549: Mastering product innovation, based on 60 years of design insights – with Scot & Walter Herbst
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Jul 14, 2025 Join Scot and Walter Herbst, a dynamic father-son duo, as they share their invaluable insights on product innovation. With over 230 patents to their names, they discuss the importance of understanding customer problems and structured methodologies in successful product development. Hear about their innovative journey in enhancing medical tools and the pivot that transformed a ceramic box cutter. They emphasize adaptability, user needs, and how to avoid common pitfalls, making their expertise essential for product managers and innovators alike.
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Selling More Knees with Better Tools
- A medical company asked how to sell more knees, which seemed absurd but led to a valuable insight.
- They improved the design of the slippery, low-quality tools surgeons used, resulting in more knee sales because surgeons preferred better tools.
Pivoting to Commercial Market Success
- Working with Slice focused on ceramic blade tools, they initially targeted consumer products but pivoted to commercial markets.
- This shift led to success, including major clients and a 15-year partnership with over 70 designed products.
Guarantee Success with Methodology
- Follow a proven, rigorous methodology to ensure product success rather than relying on aesthetics alone.
- Commit to not releasing anything unless you know it will succeed in the market, even money-back guaranteed.
