We are beginning to see an interest in what is being called “social product development.” What does this actually mean? No crisp definition yet exists but Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and its ilk seem to have opened up a vast desire to connect with others instantly. This differs greatly from typical engineering processes, whereby a product developer designs in his cubicle, then after a relatively large amount of time shares his design with others for comments, criticisms, and feedback.

Not exactly sure where this is going and how it will play with proprietary designs. Perhaps it is best left to consumer feedback. Robin Saitz, of PTC, says that she mow no longer has to close her Facebook screen when execs walk by.