NOVEMBER 20248In My OpinionFailing Fast and Slowing Down: A Balancing Act in Medical Device Design and DevelopmentDuring my 20 years of experience in the medical device (MD) industry, product development has faced unique challenges in adapting to meet the increasing demands of users and regulatory bodies. Amidst this dynamic landscape, I've witnessed two seemingly contradictory approaches that have gained traction: `failing fast' and `slowing down to move faster.' The fundamental question around product development revolves around timing ­ when can we provide this value to our customers? This consideration is essential for business success, yet it presents a formidable challenge in MD product development. Finding the right balance between speed and thoroughness is vital for securing deadlines. Detecting issues during the later stages of product development can be expensive and lead to delays in product releases. However, employing these two approaches allows for early problem identification, alignment between design output with input, and ultimately contributing to a successful clinical deployment.Similar to the concept of fail-fast in upfront innovation, development also employs a controlled approach to failing fast, which is crucial for achieving value during productification. `Failing fast' aims to identify critical aspects early in the process, ensuring that designers and developers deliver the optimal solution corresponding to the clinical need, verifying compliance with all necessary regulations, as well as identifying technical Véronique Audet, Director Engineering, MRL RT Application, ElektaByVéronique Audet
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