Deep Dive Designing “unfinished” products Just as the advent of cloud computing upended the notion of a software “update,” leading businesses today recognize that IoT maturation means revisiting the idea of a “finished” product. Rather than striving for perfection before release, they are deliberately shipping unfinished products—and building potential for growth into their designs. Consider how Sony is using sensor-rich hardware to extend device value in new and exciting ways. The company’s robotic dog, Aibo, exists as a standalone device that consumers can purchase, but Sony has also introduced a cloud service that lets the robot companion remember subscribers’ faces, environments and 16 interactions. This lets Aibo evolve over time, becoming a unique product for each person. Sony’s design also lets the company create future value for owners by rolling out new tricks. The device’s connectivity and advanced hardware—including cameras, motion sensors and light sensors—all provide rich opportunity for developers to change the Aibo experience over time.