Why Has Barbie Been So Successful - Essay Example

Barbie’s first success was first witnessed when it was introduced in the market with adult looks; this look became appealing since the market was crowded with dolls that took the form of babies. Her looks broke the monotony of dolls at that time, which in most cases required cradling and caring. Barbie’s second success as a doll is attributed to the way it was presented in the market in a form which the girl child wished it to be. The third success is linked to how Mattel as a corporation has managed to devise 150 different dolls, which come along with the doll’s 120 new outfits. The fourth success is as a result of Barbie’s reinvention and trendiness. She changes according to the current fashion taking into consideration the hairstyles and outfits. Her reinvention comes in terms of taking up different roles in life, and the roles are further exemplified by different accessories, which go along with Barbie. The last success originates from the fact that Mattel Corporation has embedded technology in Barbie. Technology embraced in Barbie is through a playset, a computer-animated video, Barbie movies, dancing princesses, and a Barbie with motion-sensor bracelet and shoe clip (Goldenberg & Mazursky, 2002).

1. Barbie is hardly a high-tech product, but has Mattel been innovative in how it has developed the product and extended its life cycle?

Mattel as a Corporation has been innovative; Barbie is a product whose life cycle has been extended greatly ever since its creation in the year 1959. Barbie’s first introduction to the market was unique in that this doll took the form of an adult; this was different from many other existing dolls, which were babies. Over the years, innovation has taken center stage, which has ensured that Barbie becomes a wanted product in the market. The product’s life cycle has been extended since Mattel considers Barbie as being more than a toy or a doll, actually according to Mattel; Barbie is a lifestyle and a fashion statement. The innovation has continued in terms of making Barbie take up the current fashion and different roles in life. Through the above, Barbie’s life cycle has been extended since it has been relevant to the current times. For instance, Mattel has innovated to the extent of making Barbie trendy with different hairstyles and outfits, which makes it admired and desired. Furthermore, Mattel has innovated by making Barbie a role model by giving her different looks, which represent different professions in life, this has ultimately extended the life cycle of Barbie (Goldenberg & Mazursky, 2002).

2. What are the lessons for product innovation?

The lesson for product innovation as seen in Mattel Corporation is that it is crucial to make a product trendy, stylish, and fashionable in order to ensure it has a long life cycle in the market. A Corporation that is able to present its product in a unique manner, which makes it different from other existing products in the market will sustain itself in the industry. A products’ survival in the market is highly attributed to how it adapts to the current time, and in turn, it becomes admired and desired by customers.