Creating Actionable Product Definitions

Only philosophers can afford to define products in ontological terms and that is only because for them it makes no operational difference what the definition is. For any body to whom it makes a difference, the definition must have actionable content. It must suggest a concrete course of action.

The examples of he augmented products cited above have in common a single attribute, they contain features  that produce results a competitive plus. These key feature  the features that distinguish these products from those of competitors, are invariably external to the generic products in the old fashioned terms in which we are in the habit of defining industries.

In some cases the things with a product is surrounded are so visibly important to its success that we thoughtlessly take their importance for granted. Their significance is totally overlooked. Quick examples are clothing, cosmetics, and even cars.