Categories: concepts, design

Today I came across Why Apple doesn’t do “Concept Products”. The author discusses how companies such as Microsoft, Nokia, and GM who have displayed concept products to consumers over the years, have not successfully translated them into actual products in the market. While other companies, such as Apple and Wii rarely shares their concept products publicly but possess a good track record of releasing them. The last time Apple shared a concept product was back in 1987, the Knowledge Navigator.

Should companies release product concepts or wait till the actual product is released to the public?

I believe companies should release product concepts. A product concept is something which incites activity. It helps people think about the future and spurs open conversation. Although Microsoft, GM, and Nokia may not always release these product concepts, sharing them publicly creates value and meaning in our lives. This value can be in the form of open discussions, awareness of an existing issue, creation of new ideas, and future social activities - all qualities that help us evolve.