Sounds like a startup process * have an idea - LEGO: I want a coast guard helicopter - SW: It's a digg clone! * design - LEGO: 3d modeling - SW: a

Sounds like a startup process * have an idea - LEGO: I want a coast guard helicopter - SW: It's a digg clone! * design - LEGO: 3d modeling - SW: a whole bunch of whiteboarding (WIKI etc.) * what's custom and what's stock - LEGO: nice to have 1 day turn around on the custom - SW: using libraries vs. what's custom * is it cost effective - LEGO: what's the price point of the set - SW: how many people do you have to hire * usability - let the customers play with it