Idea of sharing / weeks 8-10 / part 1 / Mira Koivumäki-Lindholm

Idea of sharing
Product development – customers review

There are a lot of amazing examples of product development where customers are involved over the world.

However, I would prefer to bring out the Finnish examples and a bold spirit of reform at local entrepreneurs here in Turku.

A good example is the restaurant called Thaimaut (Thai flavors). This new restaurant is set up this summer.

http://thaimaalainenravintolaturku.fi/

https://www.facebook.com/Thaimaut/timeline

ThaiMaut offers a Finnish local food from high-quality raw materials with authentic Thai flavor.

They offer tasty and healthy “fast food”. Food does not contain any chemicals - taste of food, the colors and essence is achieved by natural means.

The restaurant is special by the fact that the entrepreneur has requested open feedback from the menu and food.

He is hoping that customers tell what kind of products they would like the restaurant's food list.

He has already received feedback and what is most important – he has responded to feedback right away.

• Customer feedback: “I miss vegetable servings with tofu and nuts”.
  
• Entrepreneur's immediate response: Vegetarian options under the product development!
  
• Customer feedback: “The meat should be cut thinner that it is not so chewy”
  
  
• Entrepreneur's immediate comment: Thanks to precise feedback – the meat is now cut to thinner slivers. Welcome to taste!
  
  

Similarly, an entrepreneur asked for feedback on opening hours. Customers hoped that the restaurant should be open later.

The situation now: "We extend the opening hours of the subsequent evening. From tomorrow, we are open as follows: Mon-Fri 11.00-14.00 and 18.00-22.00, Sat 13.00 to 23.00 and Su 13.00-21.00"

A prime example of really flexible response to feedback. More Finnish companies should act in the same way.

I hope all the best for ThaiMaut restaurant!

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Another example:

My neighbor has set up a company called Rainio Design: www.rainiodesign.com

His web pages are still incomplete, but the spirit is already right:

The slogan of Rainio Design 
“3D printing, you need it, we make it” sets out my idea: 
You have an idea and I have the knowledge to fulfill Your idea with 3d printing. It's interesting how 3d printing technique and materials enable and create possibilities to fulfill ideas in a brand new way – and what's the best thing in it – the technique challenges me and my creativity.