Stage Gate Process
The Stage Gate Process is a project management and product development methodology that divides the innovation process into distinct stages separated by decision points called gates. It provides a structured framework for evaluating and advancing projects from idea generation to launch, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and risks are managed. This approach is widely used in industries like manufacturing, technology, and pharmaceuticals to improve success rates and reduce time-to-market.
Developers should learn and use the Stage Gate Process when working in cross-functional teams on complex, high-stakes projects such as new product development, software releases, or R&D initiatives. It helps in making data-driven decisions, aligning stakeholders, and preventing costly failures by requiring formal reviews at each gate before proceeding. This methodology is particularly valuable in agile or iterative environments where it can be adapted to complement development cycles like Scrum or Kanban.