By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services
Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods!
The four days of the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events as well as educational sessions. In these final weeksbefore the Show, we preview presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center.
Today we are speaking Tim Woods, founding partner of POCO Labs, a product development and research company based in Milford, Mich. A nationally recognized consultant, Tim has worked with many corporations to drive innovation and the appropriate use of technology in everyday consumer products and services. If you are wondering how and why products in our lives will communicate with each other and what this can mean in your business, be sure to attend this program.
Rationalizing the Internet of Things: Changing the Way We Think about Product Design, Services and Conversations
Sunday, March 16, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center, E350
Tim Woods has worked with major corporations to break ground in connectivity technology applications both inside and outside the home for more than 15 years. The New York Times, Business Week, Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal have looked to him as a resource and he has appeared on The Science Channel, Food Network, HGTV and CNN to discuss the future of the home and technology in consumers’ everyday lives. Most recently he spoke at the MIT Media Lab on the Internet of Things and our need to change how we look at product development and design. POCO Labs clients include Coca Cola, The Ford Motor Company, Cisco, Microsoft, Direct Energy, Lennox Industries, Whirlpool and General Mills.
Tim, what is the most exciting or rewarding part of your job?
Being able to work in multiple ecosystems and seeing the evolution and influence of technology in our everyday lives.
What inspires your passion in your work?
Our clients—they desire and drive to make the best products and services they can.
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business?
The evolution of consumer attitudes and acceptance of technology in their lives. It’s become bottom of the pyramid stuff for most consumers and their expectations are extremely high. Also their willingness to engage with manufacturers directly on a personal level to improve their experience.
How has your company met these challenges in the way you do your work?
Our discovery work and research methodologies have changed dramatically in the past three years and continue to evolve.
Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?
It’s a great opportunity to expose the housewares industry to a new way of thinking moving forward into the Internet of Things.
Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.
How the Internet of Things (IOT) will change how we develop products and rationalize revenue moving forward. I will discuss how manufacturers need to rationalize their participation in IOT and embrace the concept of improving their products and services with regards to the length of ownership. I’ll suggest ideas about how these topics can become relevant conversations with the consumer that generate loyalty and more frequent return.
You’ve presented in the Innovation Theater before. What are you looking forward to most from speaking at the Innovation Theater?
I presented a few years ago, so I know that the dialogue at the end is great!
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
Relevance to solutions they need in their everyday life.
What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?
Innovation, and providing longer term value to the consumer.
Thank you, Tim. Your research and insights are sure to be provocative. Speculations about The Internet of Things have captured the public’s imagination and have generated many questions. We look forward to your presentation on Sunday, March 16 at 2:30 pm in the Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center E350.
To learn more about POCO Labs, see www.pocolabs.com. Tim Woods can be reached at 248-202-7849 or twoods@powerofconnections.com
