Human-centered design thinking for new product idea validation : case for a Nepali language learning tool for Nepali kids living outside Nepal

Abstract

Many great products have failed not because they were flawed or inferior, but because the end users did not buy or could not accept those. This raises an important question: How can companies know what the end users will buy? In today’s business world, involving users early in the product development process is gaining recognition for its collaborative approach and benefits. By integrating end users into the early phases of product development, companies can tap into a wealth of insights and perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden. This collaborative approach fosters a deeper understanding of the users' needs, preferences, and pain points. Moreover, it facilitates the identification of potential pitfalls and challenges that could deter user adoption.

In an ever-changing world where technological progress constantly reshapes the market, the practice of embracing end users early on in product development is not just a calculated choice but is vitally important for the bold measure to reduce the risk of product failure. As companies continue to embrace this collaborative ethos, they position themselves to create products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between producers and consumers.

Nepali children living aboard face challenges in learning their native language due to limited resources. According to the research done on mother tongue education, Preserving one's cultural heritage is essential through mother tongue education, but for the sake of economic advancement, it is more beneficial to start learning Nepali or English at a young age (Burnett & McNulty, n.d.). This thesis report will be used to develop a user-friendly Nepali language learning tool for these children. Human-centered design thinking was applied to validate the need for the tool and involve relevant stakeholders.