Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Mobile phones evolving into handheld multimedia communications devices exemplifies:

1. Quality function deployment

2. Robust design

3. Sustainable design

4. Creeping featurism

The correct answer is: Creeping featurism

The evolution of mobile phones into handheld multimedia communications devices showcases the concept of creeping featurism. This phenomenon occurs when products are continuously added with new features or capabilities over time, often beyond the original design intent, in an effort to keep up with consumer demand or market competition. In the case of mobile phones, the initial focus on basic voice communication has expanded significantly to include high-quality cameras, internet access, gaming capabilities, and various multimedia functions. This expansion demonstrates how manufacturers often prioritize adding features to meet consumer expectations, which can sometimes lead to complexity that detracts from the core usability of the device. As a result, products can become overloaded with features that may not always enhance the user experience effectively. Understanding creeping featurism highlights the balance that needs to be struck between innovation and maintaining the simplicity and effectiveness of a product in meeting user needs.