Compare product development cycle vs. product life cycle

The product development cycle and product life cycle describe different aspects of a product’s journey. The development cycle focuses on how a product comes into existence. It starts with idea generation, followed by validation, design, and testing, and ends with a launch-ready product.

The product life cycle begins only after launch and describes how a product performs in the market. It includes the introduction, growth, maturity, and decline stages. Understanding the difference between the two helps teams separate the act of creating a product from the process of managing its lifespan. Development ensures the product is built with care, while the life cycle shows how it evolves once customers begin to use it. Recognizing both perspectives is critical for strategic planning.