Research on lead user identification focusing on extreme users

Abstract

The lead-user method is often used in product development. This is a method in which development is conducted together with users called lead users. Because lead users are rare, there are many ways to search for them, but in this study, we focus on two types of users, positive and negative extreme users. We are concerned about the focus on only positive extreme users in existing research, and will compare positive and negative ones. The research method is to compare the subjects' idea through interviews with each extreme user against the lead user search time and idea innovativeness. Results will provide insight into companies' adoption of the lead user method.