1. From zero to one: a new perspective on the fuzzy front end of innovation and the Stage-Gate® modelPeter Alešnik, Igor Vrečko, Iztok Palčič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The Stage-Gate® model has historically provided a systematic framework for New Product Development (NPD). However, the evolving landscape of innovation necessitates continuous enhancement. This paper redefines the model's foundational structure by advocating for the recognition of the Discovery Phase as Stage 1, emphasizing its essential role in aligning initial ideation with strategic goals, streamlining processes, and enhancing NPD efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review, synthesis of illustrative examples and secondary data and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that formalizing the Discovery Phase improves earlystage decision-making, enhances alignment between front-end exploration and downstream execution and mitigates risks by supporting more informed project development. Synthesised sectoral examples show that incorporating the Discovery Phase improves feasibility, reduces risk, and boosts efficiency. For example, simulation planning early in innovation process increased manufacturing throughput by 52 %, while early IP checks lowered infringement risk. The proposed revision boosts the Stage-Gate® model's adaptability and integration with modern methodologies such as AI, Agile, Lean Startup, Design Thinking and TRIZ. The findings highlight how this change promotes a comprehensive approach to NPD. The implications extend to practical applications and future research, offering organizations a flexible framework that meets modern market and technological demands.
Keywords: Stage-Gate® model, fuzzy front end of innovation (FFEI), new product development (NPD), innovation management, discovery phase, agile, TRIZ, design thinking, large language model (LLM), sustainability
Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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2. Bioinspired design of ergonomic tool handles using 3D-printed cellular metamaterialsGregor Harih, Vasja Plesec, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The design of ergonomic tool handles is crucial for user comfort and performance, yet conventional stiff materials often lead to uneven pressure distribution and discomfort. This study investigates the application of 3D-printed cellular metamaterials with tunable stiffness, specifically gyroid structures, to enhance the ergonomic and haptic properties of tool handles. We employed finite element analysis to simulate finger–handle interactions and conducted subjective comfort evaluations with participants using a foxtail saw with handles of varying gyroid infill densities and a rigid PLA handle. Numerical results demonstrated that handles with medium stiffness significantly reduced peak contact pressures and promoted a more uniform pressure distribution compared to the stiff PLA handle. The softest gyroid handle, while compliant, exhibited excessive deformation, potentially compromising stability. Subjective comfort ratings corroborated these findings, with medium-stiffness handles receiving the highest scores for overall comfort, fit, and force transmission. These results highlight that a plateau-like mechanical response of the 3D-printed cellular metamaterial handle, inversely bioinspired by human soft tissue, effectively balances pressure redistribution and grip stability. This bioinspired design approach offers a promising direction for developing user-centered products that mitigate fatigue and discomfort in force-intensive tasks.
Keywords: bioinspired design, product ergonomics, 3D printing, tool handle, finite element method, user comfort, cellular metamaterials
Published in DKUM: 03.11.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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3. From zero to one: a new perspective on the fuzzy front end of innovation and the Stage-Gate® modelPeter Alešnik, Igor Vrečko, Iztok Palčič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The Stage-Gate® model has historically provided a systematic framework for New Product Development (NPD). However, the evolving landscape of innovation necessitates continuous enhancement. This paper redefines the model's foundational structure by advocating for the recognition of the Discovery Phase as Stage 1, emphasizing its essential role in aligning initial ideation with strategic goals, streamlining processes, and enhancing NPD efforts. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a systematic literature review, synthesis of illustrative examples and secondary data and case study analysis, the research demonstrates that formalizing the Discovery Phase improves earlystage decision-making, enhances alignment between front-end exploration and downstream execution and mitigates risks by supporting more informed project development. Synthesised sectoral examples show that incorporating the Discovery Phase improves feasibility, reduces risk, and boosts efficiency. For example, simulation planning early in innovation process increased manufacturing throughput by 52 %, while early IP checks lowered infringement risk. The proposed revision boosts the Stage-Gate® model's adaptability and integration with modern methodologies such as AI, Agile, Lean Startup, Design Thinking and TRIZ. The findings highlight how this change promotes a comprehensive approach to NPD. The implications extend to practical applications and future research, offering organizations a flexible framework that meets modern market and technological demands.
Keywords: Stage-Gate® model, fuzzy front end of innovation (FFEI), new product development (NPD), innovation management, discovery phase, agile, TRIZ, design thinking, large language model (LLM), sustainability
Published in DKUM: 13.10.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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4. Induced matching vs edge open packing: trees and product graphsBoštjan Brešar, Tanja Dravec, Jaka Hedžet, Babak Samadi, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Given a graph ▫$G$▫, the maximum size of an induced subgraph of ▫$G$▫ each component of which is a star is called the edge open packing number, ▫$\rho_{e}^{o} (G)$▫, of ▫$G$▫. Similarly, the maximum size of an induced subgraph of ▫$G$▫ each component of which is the star ▫$K_{1,1}$▫ is the induced matching number, ▫$\nu_I(G)$▫, of ▫$G$▫. While the inequality ▫$\rho_{e}^{o}(G)\ge \nu_I(G)$▫ clearly holds for all graphs ▫$G$▫, we provide a structural characterization of those trees that attain the equality. We prove that the induced matching number of the lexicographic product ▫$G\circ H$▫ of arbitrary two graphs ▫$G$▫ and ▫$H$▫ equals ▫$\alpha(G)\nu_I(H)$▫. By similar techniques, we prove sharp lower and upper bounds on the edge open packing number of the lexicographic product of graphs, which in particular lead to NP-hardness results in triangular graphs for both invariants studied in this paper. For the direct product ▫$G\times H$▫ of two graphs we provide lower bounds on ▫$\nu_I(G\times H)$▫ and ▫$\rho_{e}^{o} (G\times H)$▫, both of which are widely sharp. We also present sharp lower bounds for both invariants in the Cartesian and the strong product of two graphs. Finally, we consider the edge open packing number in hypercubes establishing the exact values of ▫$\rho_{e}^{o} (Q_n)$▫ when ▫$n$▫ is a power of ▫$2$▫, and present a closed formula for the induced matching number of the rooted product of arbitrary two graphs over an arbitrary root vertex.
Keywords: induced matching, edge open packing, graph product, independent set, trees
Published in DKUM: 25.07.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 5
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6. The generational tourist : how age cohorts influence travel product choicesMitja Gorenak, Janko Virant, Tomi Špindler, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Purpose of the article –The purpose of this article is to explore the correlation between generational values and tourism product selection. It addresses the scientific problem of how socio-historical experiences influence consumer behaviour in the tourism sector. The goal is to identify distinct patterns among Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y that affect travel preferences, including price sensitivity, trip duration, travel style, and desired levels of autonomy.
Research methodology –A two-step research methodology was applied. In the first step, a codebook was created based on the catalogue of trips from a cooperating travel agency. Trips were categorised by seven characteristics such as type, length, and autonomy. In the second step, a dataset of 9605 travellers was analysed using SPSS 24. Generational cohorts were determined based on age, and correlation and cross-tabulation analyses were conducted to uncover significant patterns.
Keywords: generational values, tourism product selection, consumer behaviour, generational cohorts, travel preferences
Published in DKUM: 17.06.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 30
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7. A product quality impacts of a mobile software product line : an empirical studyLuka Pavlič, Tina Beranič, Marjan Heričko, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Background: The software product lines (SPL) enable development teams to fully address a systematic reuse of shared assets to deliver a family of similar software products. Mobile applications are an obvious candidate for employing an SPL approach. This paper presents our research outcomes, based on empirical data from an industry-level development project. Two development teams were confronted with the same functionalities set to be delivered through a family of native mobile applications for Android and iOS.
Methods: Empirical data was gathered before, during and after a year of full-time development. The data demonstrate the impact of a SPL approach by comparing the SPL and non-SPL multiple edition development. One family of products (Android apps) was developed using an SPL approach, while another (iOS apps), functionally the same, was developed without employing an SPL approach. The project generated a volume of raw and aggregated empirical data to support our research questions.
Results: The paper reports a positive impact of an SPL approach on product quality (internal and external) and feature output per week. As data shows, it also increases the delivery of functionalities (240% in 6 more editions), while investing the same amount of effort needed for a single-edition development. As a result of system-supported separation of development and production code, developers had a high confidence in further development. On the other hand, the second team delivered less new functionalities, only two new application editions, and lower software quality than the team that manages multi-edition development by employing an SPL approach.
Keywords: software product line, Android, simultaneous development, iOS, Software quality, software product editions
Published in DKUM: 17.04.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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9. The (in)effectiveness of attention guidance methods for enhancing brand memory in 360° videoJani Pavlič, Tina Tomažič, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Sensing and remembering features in visual scenes are conditioned by visual attention
and methods to guide it. This should be relevant in terms of product placement, which has become
an important part of incorporating brands into different mass media formats with a commercial
purpose. The approach can be challenging in 360◦ video, where an omnidirectional view enables
consumers to choose different viewing perspectives, which may result in overlooking the brands.
Accordingly, attention guidance methods should be applied. This study is the first to explore diegetic
guidance methods as the only appropriate guiding method for an unobtrusive and unconscious
nature of product placement. To test the effectiveness of three different diegetic guiding methods,
a between-subject design was employed, where the participants were assigned randomly to one
of four videos with the same scene but different guiding methods. The findings show and explain
the discrepancy with studies on guiding attention in other contexts, as there were no significant
differences between the guiding cues according to brand recall and brand recognition. The results also indicate a significant influence of brand familiarity on brand recall in 360◦ video. The
article concludes by providing limitations, future research directions, and recommendations for
audiovisual policy.
Keywords: product placement, visual attention, attention guidance methods, diegetic guiding cues, brand recall, brand recognition
Published in DKUM: 01.04.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 9
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10. Public handling of protective masks from use to disposal and recycling options to new productsKatarina Remic, Alen Erjavec, Julija Volmajer Valh, Sonja Šterman, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: A study was conducted on the waste of disposable surgical masks and their problematic impact on the environment. The studies examined have shown the negative effects on the environment that are likely to occur and those that have already occurred. In this article, society's relationship to the potential recycling of disposable surgical masks is considered and projected onto the possibilities of the cradle-to-cradle design approach. The development of a product from recycled surgical masks is driven by two different surveys. The first focuses on wear and disposal habits, and the second on the relationship to recycling. As a result, the flooring was developed with thermally treated recycled surgical masks replacing the filler layer. The goal of the product design was to improve the long-term life cycle analysis of a waste surgical mask.
Keywords: maske, medicinski odpadki, okolje, recikliranje izdelka z dodano vrednostjo, analiza življenjskega cikla, masks, medical waste, recycling added-value product, life-cycle-analysis
Published in DKUM: 26.03.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 3
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