19 Apr How to turn a simple idea into a groundbreaking product
Every step brings you closer to success
Inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time. Some of the best ideas in the world have come from identifying a need and then creating the perfect fit. Some have come from daydreaming about the world around us. The TASER, employed by law enforcement around the world, was inspired by the 1911 novel Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle.
If you’ve had a brilliant idea, don’t let it go to waste. Document it, check up on other products, do your market research, and bring your vision to life. Nearly every impactful product from around the world has followed the same process. Now it’s your turn.
The team at MOSS&SCHMIDT are here to help you bring your product to fruition. From initial market research, to full scale outsourcing and product manufacturing, we will be with you every step of the way. If you’re ready to design your own product, follow these steps to get started.
-
Document
Ideas are only as permanent as our capacity for memory. Compared to the relative permanency of a computer, or even a scrap of paper, our brains come in second. The first step on your road to a groundbreaking product is to document.
- Set aside a notebook that is completely dedicated to product design
- When you get an idea, write it down in as much detail as you can.
- Follow this detail up with a rough sketch, if you have the time.
This documentation is imperative for establishing ownership rights over an idea. It’s also an excellent step towards a fully fleshed out proof of concept.
-
Check up
Are you sure your idea is original? Source amnesia is the inability to recall where an idea originates. As our brains deal with insurmountable logs of data each day, we can often fall victim to reinventing the wheel.
- Start by Googling your concept to see if any current product matches your idea.
- If it doesn’t, try a patent search at the Australian Government’s IP Australia resource.
- If you have completed a prior sketch or digital mock up, use Google’s Reverse Image Search to see if anything comes close.
Doing your due diligence will prevent against existing patent holders from claiming any royalties from your product.
-
Market research
Products can’t be sold without a customer to buy them. Before you go any further, you need to make sure a market exists. The designer of Picnic Pants probably thought that everyone in the world would want a pair, but the reality is that you’ll never know until you research.
- Do research to determine where your customer purchases and why they purchase.
- The insights gleamed from this research will directly impact your initial designs.
- Determine an appropriate initial price point for your new product.
- Will it be at value or premium?
For the best results, consider hiring a professional industrial design business like Paraform to complete your market research.
-
Industrial design
This is where the real fun begins. Industrial design is the process of creating conceptual 3D models of your ideas. It’s the first real step that takes an idea from simple spitballing to physical reality.
- By focusing on cost and manufacturability, you can have a good idea of what it will take to sell your product.
- Your 3D models will support future marketing and proof of concept stages.
- See how your product works with others by using visual test fitting.
For superior product design, engage Paraform. We will take your idea, your design brief, and your expectations, and design accurate, functional 3D models.
-
Rapid prototyping
It’s time to bring your idea into the real world. When you are happy with your 3D modelling, the next step is to make a working, real world prototype. Here are some common avenues for accurate rapid prototyping:
- 3D printing and CNC milling uses molten plastics to create fast and efficient models based off of digital designs.
- If you require extensive manufacturing, you can create short run injection moulds.
- For even more detailed metals, lasers can cut and etch your designs.
After this stage, you can move on to outsourcing and product manufacturing – the final step in getting your product onto a shelf.
-
Outsourcing and product manufacturing
If there’s anything more exciting than seeing a working prototype of your idea, it’s placing your first order with a manufacturer. Here are some things to consider before engaging a manufacturer for your product.
- If you’re concerned about the social and environmental responsibility of the process, find a manufacturer that holds the same values as you.
- If your products require specialist electronic components, you’ll need to source these as well.
- Consider packaging and shipping requirements for your product.