Shark – Navigate Japan

Shark Ninja are an American consumer electronics company focused on – floor cleaning, kitchen appliances, and more recently air quality and personal care products. We have worked with their design teams in London and Boston since 2018. They are responsible for the research, design and engineering of near term and advanced products for global export.

Japan Market Research

Why (Goal)

Japan is the 3rd richest economy in the world. Like many companies Shark Ninja see a huge opportunity to increase brand recognition and revenue in this market. 

To do this an in-depth knowledge of the Japanese market, culture and consumers is needed to understand how they can be successful. As Japan experts with 30 years of experience, we have been helping them to navigate this highly sophisticated and unique market and its ever-demanding consumers. 

How (What we did)

Our work is focused on researching the characteristics of the Japanese home, retail environment and consumers. We use this knowledge to find and explore opportunities for Shark Ninja, to create product concepts that communicate these ideas for testing with consumers and to inspire their team.  

In addition, we advise on the suitability of their products for export to Japan. 

To do this we utilise the following types of activities :

– Retail safaris : On the ground research in Japan’s many consumer electronic stores

– In-depth user interviews : Understand the perceptions, preferences and trigger points in purchasing and using products 

– Competitor landscape mapping : Highlight the competition in Japan, including the translation of user product reviews 

– Opportunity framework creation : Identify opportunities for Shark Ninja products in the Japanese market 

– Design concept creation : Develop concepts that highlight the characteristics required for success in Japan 

– CMF : Colour Material Finish creation suitable for the Japanese market  

– Expert reviews : Provide feedback on the suitability of Shark Ninja products for the Japanese market

What (Outcomes)

This work is ongoing, but we have successfully completed several research and design projects which have inspired and educated the Shark team and have guided the creation of Japan specific products including Hairdryers, Vacuum cleaners and Air cleaning devices.

RELATED


  • Take me down to Denki Town

    Take me down to Denki Town

    I take a deep dive into consumer electronic retailing in Japan for ‘Take on Japan’ – heres what I found.

  • Seven 11 and I

    Seven 11 and I

    In the many years I have been visiting Japanese Konbini the improvement in the design of the home brand products has been huge.

  • Navigate Japan

    Navigate Japan

    Download and read this story about how we can help you to Navigate Japan (English and Japanese).