IPU's work in product development is based on, e.g., a wide base of different approaches, methods, tools, etc. A number of these have been developed by IPU in collaboration with DTU and the Confederation of Danish Industries and are based on hands-on product development.

Some of the elements are:

KJ method
QFD analysis
Interdisciplinary integration (mechatronics)
Creative and systematic identification of solutions
DFM approach
PFMP (Product Family Master Plan)
Integrated Product Development
Input levels
Benchmarking
Creating the ideal concept
Problem solving models
Methods for evaluation and selection
User-based product engineering
Design process management
Systematic technology search
Project management tools
Product life analysis and product life design
Conceptualisation
Identification of criteria
Modelling techniques at many levels
Phases division
Systematic product search
Competition analysis
Basic information specification (GS)
Project GS
Product models
Identification of design degrees of freedom
Stakeholder analysis

Allocating solution spaces
Simulation
Character descriptions

This foundation is constantly being developed and adapted, and it helps IPU create innovative solutions and carry out complete development projects from the earliest phases to production run-in.