Product development with the customer in focus

Sara’s team of five product developers and two pattern designers is based in Gothenburg. The team includes textile designers and textile engineers, who together have a lot of experience in the industry.

I am proud to be able to say that we have a high level of expertise in our organisation. We have really laid the foundation for being innovative and driving development forward, Sara says.

Detail-driven processes

Alligo has three different types of product development processes, depending on whether it is dealing with new products, product updates or the recertification of products. The processes are very similar and differ mainly in terms of the time required, from around 18 months up to three years, depending on the complexity of the product.

The process starts with an analysis of trends and innovation, where sales, markets and competitors are analysed. In this step, product developers and product managers work closely together with suppliers to determine which products Alligo should invest in and what requirements there are from sellers and customers.

Based on the analysis, we start designing the garment, with details such as pockets, zips, buttons, functions, cutting and stitching. Right down to whether it should be single stitch or double stitch. We create a Techpack that includes everything from button sizes to washing instructions and how to pack and measure the garment, Sara explains.

In the second step, the pattern designer creates a pattern and sends a request to the supplier who produces the first sample garment. Once certification and user testing at the customer are complete, which can take several months, Alligo can submit an order for a trial run. This is followed by further tests to ensure that everything is as intended. Once this is complete, production can start.

Achieving successful product development based on customers’ needs

The single most important factor in successful product development is to keep developing products customer-focused. This applies to everything from function, quality and ergonomics to the product being stylish and fashionable.

We need to be innovative here while also ensuring that the requirements specifications are firmly based in reality, Sara says.

The design of a garment is always based on how it will be used. Alligo has eight industry segments with corporate customers across a range of professions, taking in everything from fishing to the construction industry. The clothing must be suitable for the particular job for which it is designed. Within industry, for example, flame-retardant clothing may be needed, while clothing within fishing and aquaculture must be designed to cope with cold and windy weather.

The fact that we have so many different professions with unique needs can be challenging, but it also means there is huge potential for developing unique and competitive products for many different types of user, Sara highlights.