Sociotechnical solution patterns for the development of smart products

Abstract For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) it is a challenge to identify precisely the suitable smart product solution according to their demands. Therefore, this submission presents a stepwise methodology, which guides SMEs through the early stage of product development using sociotechnical patterns. Sociotechnical patterns consider technological, organizational and human aspects equally. A stepwise methodology supports the selection and use of them. First, the individual demands concerning smart products are systematically analyzed. In the second phase, suitable solution patterns are identified. In the final phase, the selected pattern is individually specified and the smart product is conceptualized using the pattern template.