case iconBeauty Products Manufacturer F

Developing Service Tools through Open Innovation and Proof of Concept

Introduced consumer tools to market within six months from PoC start, contributing to sales

Company F, expanding in the Asian market, was considering developing promotional tools using advanced technologies like AR and VR to expand their fan base. We received a consistent request from support for collaboration to advice on market expansion, and proposed a strategy incorporating open innovation and PoC (proof of concept). For collaboration candidates, we focused on India, which understands Asian consumer insights and offers flexibility, scale, speed, and advanced technology. Working with Company F's cross-departmental team, we considered various perspectives including technology, consumers, and store deployment, selected collaboration partners, and proceeded from prototyping to market introduction. Market expansion was achieved within six months from PoC start, developing potential customers and significantly contributing to global sales.

Challenges & Requests

  • Wanted to establish users of their expanding beauty brand in the Asian market as a fan base
  • Wanted to succeed as an innovative project contributing to sales by centering Japan in discovering and collaborating with global external partners
  • Wanted to develop world-first consumer service tools utilizing advanced digital technologies such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality)
  • Needed total support from development assistance to advice on Asian market expansion

Support

  • Collaborated with Company F's teams in research and development, business development, marketing, and design to clarify needs from perspectives of technology, consumer interface, and store deployment
  • Planned and implemented innovation challenges with promising startups including those from India
  • Collaborated with Indian startups that have flexibility, quick response times, abundant experimental subjects making proof-of-concept easier, and understand Asian consumer insights
  • Selected collaboration partners with Company F and planned/executed PoC (proof of concept)
  • Provided support for completing actual tools through post-PoC processes and prototype development, and offered marketing advice for overseas market expansion

Results

  • Completed high-precision service tools and started market deployment just six months after PoC initiation
  • Actively utilized as a groundbreaking service contributing to increased sales, while also reaching potential customers through media introductions
  • Service tools expanded not only to the Japanese market but also overseas, including Asian countries targeted by Company F, contributing to business growth in two ways: increased sales and cost-effectiveness efficiency

Client Testimonials

Through accurate direction and collaboration with excellent startups, we were able to introduce to the market in shorter time than expected, resulting in a groundbreaking initiative supporting business of enormous scale

India had less time difference than Western countries, making it easier. They also came up with ideas we wouldn't have thought of and moved very quickly at crucial points, which was both helpful and stimulating

The use of cutting-edge technology gained the interest of young people in various countries, also contributing to brand image enhancement

I realized that the insights of Indian youth have commonalities with those of Asian and global young people

← Back to Case Studies