# IDology #9 - NASAs TRL scale in product development

- Show: [IDology](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology)
- Published: 2023-02-28
- Length: 1h 00m
- Episode: 9
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mindsailors/episodes/IDology-9---NASAs-TRL-scale-in-product-development-e1vkt41

## Summary

Voytek and Mikołaj from the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss adapting NASA's Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale for product development to manage client expectations and clarify the definition of 'prototype'. They walk through the nine stages, explaining how TRL 1-3 covers initial concepts and proof of concept, while TRL 4-6 involves testing components and systems in relevant environments. The conversation highlights the transition from laboratory validation to real-world user testing at TRL 7-8, culminating in a 'golden sample' or MVP that is ready for manufacturing tooling.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development#t=1) Introduction to the TRL Scale
- [4:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development#t=248) TRL 1-3: Concepts and Proof of Concept
- [29:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development#t=1754) TRL 4-5: Laboratory to Real-World Testing
- [40:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development#t=2425) TRL 6-7: System Integration and User Testing
- [47:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development#t=2826) TRL 8-9: Golden Samples and Manufacturing Readiness

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- NASA (company)
- Mindsailors (company)
- Kickstarter (company)
- IP54 (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [114: Designing an MVP for a New Consumer Product](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-02-16-114-designing-an-mvp-for-a-new-consumer-product) (Product Startup)
- [164: The 3 Prototyping Phases for New Product Development](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-02-23-164-the-3-prototyping-phases-for-new-product-development) (Product Startup)
- [149: How to Professionally Prototype your Invention Idea](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-11-09-149-how-to-professionally-prototype-your-invention-idea) (Product Startup)
- [The Ugly Truth About Prototyping a New Product](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2023-01-11-the-ugly-truth-about-prototyping-a-new-product) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [Interview with Eric Ries - Transorted Testing Tachydidaxy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-08-21-interview-with-eric-ries-transorted-testing-tachydidaxy) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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