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World Congress 2025 • Aug 20, 2025 • Session details

Breaking the Hardware Mindset: Overcoming Barriers to System-Level Innovation

Réka Leisztner

Treating software as an afterthought ruins your product's user experience. Learn how to dismantle the hardware mindset and build seamless, system-level architectures from day one.

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#1 about 4 min

Shifting the focus from hardware to complex systems

Traditional hardware companies must adopt digital solutions and redefine their products as comprehensive systems.

#2 about 4 min

Redefining product ecosystems using the vacuum cleaner example

Changing consumer needs have caused legacy hardware brands to be displaced by smart robotics makers.

#3 about 3 min

Recognizing connected software as a core value creator

Connected digital systems and cloud components must be treated as core product offerings rather than secondary add-ons.

#4 about 4 min

Moving from basic embedded software to system functionalities

Modern products focus on system-level outcomes like predictive maintenance rather than merely using basic embedded software to control physical elements.

#5 about 9 min

Delivering product value through system thinking and outcomes

Product managers should specify desired system outcomes instead of limiting engineering teams with rigid, hardware-first technical requirements.

#6 about 5 min

Establishing a collaborative hardware and software development process

Establishing a complete approach to defining product viability and feasibility before decomposing constraints and initiating component design enables successful delivery.

#7 about 3 min

Fostering systems thinking within business and product strategy

Bridging the gap between product management and engineering helps legacy companies transition to developing complex digital systems.

Matching moments

2:32 min

Integrating digital strategy into hardware-focused product portfolios

Leo Lindhorst · WWC 2022

6:41 min

Breaking down organizational silos to define platform engineering culture

Liam Hurrel +1 · WWC 2021

6:43 min

Adopting a software-first approach to vehicle development

Peter Bosch Peter Bosch · WWC 2024

4:30 min

Adapting legacy product ecosystems and identifying technical red flags

Christian Nagel Christian Nagel +3 · WWC 2025

2:25 min

Building engineering cultures that support long-term software architecture

Oskar Kruschitz Oskar Kruschitz · Europe 2026 Virtual

2:00 min

Culture clash between hardware engineers and software developers

Andreas Kaldun Andreas Kaldun

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