Recreational US Catalog (PDF) - Mustang Survival

WHATDOKIDSWANT?Product development always starts with asking theright questions. When developing our new line ofkids PFDs, we knew what we wanted: we wantedto introduce a contemporary product that blendedcomfort and safety. Figuring out what kids wanted,however, was another story.At Mustang Survival, we work with many toughcustomers including international militaries, NASA,and the US Coast Guard. None are as brutally honestas the critics we faced on this project. Our developmentteam cycled through hundreds of sketchesand prototypes. Every concept was put to the test.We logged numerous hours at swimming pools.We held focus groups. We talked with any parentand child willing to give us an opinion.Children, we learned, are more than happy toprovide opinions:“Too bulky!”“Too hot!”“It doesn’t look cool!”“No way! I’m not wearing that!”We knew we were on the right track when kidsstarted arguing over who got to wear the PFD withthe head pillow. And when Sam, the 10-year-oldson of our lead designer, gave the final prototypean approving nod, we rejoiced.Design is definitely a process. Learning from ourmarket, listening to what they want, and havingthe flexibility to challenge our own assumptionswere key to creating a product we can be proud of.9www.mustangsurvival.com