Stage 1: Development proposal data sheet
A "Development Proposal" is intended for discussion only as part of the process of developing the specification. This stage is prior to any committment to develop, as part of an ideas generation, sieving and selection process which leads to items selected for the next stage. The product is not available and may never be available.

Stage 2: Target Specification Data Sheet
A "Target Specification" describes a product which is under development. The specification is still liable to change. The product can only be ordered under tightly controlled conditions to minimise risk.

Stage 3: Product Data Sheet
A "Product Data Sheet" describes a product or service which is available for purchase.

The supporting pro-forma
A simple form is used to ensure brief, standardised presentation of key information.

Benefits:

• The fact that the same format is used throughout makes it extremely easy for everyone concerned to compare and understand proposed, existing and previous developments.
• The fact that the form is very short (1 side of A4 paper) also makes it easy for busy managers to rapidly respond to its contents.
• It is also supports a very good, but difficult, discipline: "If you can't write your idea down on one piece of paper, then go away until you can!"

To download a Development Proposal blank form (.pdf) click here
To download the instructions for completing it (.pdf) click here