In this paper a framework potentially useful for the development of indicators of the output of technological innovation is described. The approach is based on a characteristics description of product technology. A product is considered a combination of three sets of characteristics, one describing the technical features of the product, one describing the services performed by the product, and one describing the methods of its production. These sets of characteristics are related by patterns of mapping. The potential applications of the framework to the development of indicators of the output of technological innovation and to the analysis of diffusion and technological substitution are outlined. Also, the relationship of this framework to the concepts of technological regimes, technological guide posts and dominant design is described.