Literature Review

A Literature Review serves as a foundational methodology in various stages of product design, innovation, and scientific research, often initiated during the early phases of a project in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and environmental science. This approach is typically engaged by researchers, product designers, and engineers to comprehensively analyze existing knowledge, showcasing not only established theories but also empirical findings relevant to the specific topic at hand. For instance, in the healthcare sector, conducting a Literature Review prior to developing a new medical device ensures that the design integrates the latest advancements while addressing identified shortcomings in current solutions. Participants in this process may include interdisciplinary teams, such as design engineers, scientists, and end-users, who collaborate to bridge gaps in understanding and synthesize varying perspectives. The outcome is a nuanced understanding of existing products and research that assists in identifying innovation opportunities and mitigating redundancies, allowing teams to build upon previous work rather than duplicating efforts. This methodology is also beneficial for establishing regulatory or compliance standards by summarizing existing guidelines and practices, ultimately informing the design and development process in a way that enhances the effectiveness and safety of new innovations. When executed effectively, a comprehensive Literature Review can contribute to generating innovative solutions that align with market needs and expectations, reducing development time and increasing the likelihood of project success.