Here’s how to bring your Invention to life: A step-by-step Guide

Contributor - Divyashree G M
February 15, 2024
4 min read

Ever stare down a problem and think, There’s gotta be a better way? Sounds familiar, right? Most let that idea pass saying it’s too much bother. Few hack around and create a quick fix. Even fewer still think, “Hey, there could be more folks like me facing this problem. I think there could be a big market for this”.

And you then try searching the net, your contacts, Craigslist, and basically anyone you meet to help you navigate the journey from your idea to a marketable product. And end up finding ads, jargon, naysayers, you get the gist.

So how does an inventor navigate the journey from a bright spark to a marketable product? Here’s a ready reckoner of 4 easy steps to get you started:

Step: 1 Gather Insights

Research whether competitive products already exist or if there are others which can be adapted without too much effort. Study your audience using a combination of quantitative and qualitative user research to identify their pain points and whether they resonate with your idea.

Remember, the feedback may not be what you want, but the market is always right!

Validating your idea through a combination of consumer and market research prevents missteps and saves you a lot of time and money down the road.

Step: 2 Design and prototype

Rebuild your invention or idea aligning with the feedback you received. Employ Design Thinking techniques and build quick and dirty prototypes till you and your audience feel that it’s just right.

Here’s where things get tricky, you may make it functionally correct, but to make it aesthetically pleasing, hire a designer and an engineer. The designer will take care of the aesthetics while the engineer will ensure its economically manufacturable at scale.

Step: 3 Intellectual Property

Innovation deserves protection! Consider exploring patent options – utility, design, or provisional – to safeguard your intellectual property.

Patents perform two functions: offensive and defensive. The first part allows you to claim compensation should anyone illegally copy your invention. The second part prevents you from getting sued by a copycat or a new entrant with larger resources.

Consulting a patent attorney throughout your journey can help you avoid patent violations yourselves as well as secure your own intellectual property rights.

Step: 4 Funding and Resources

Running out of cash is the number one cause of death for startups! Fortunately, we live in a socially connected world today. A world which allows the average Joe as well as the tycoon equal opportunities to fund their ideas.

Validate and fund your ideas through crowdfunding platforms. As you pitch, people either offer money or feedback providing valuable course correction.

Connect with manufacturers local or in Asia to get budgetary estimates, for prototyping, tooling, warehousing and shipping. Use these to refine your campaigns and ask for the right amount you need. You can crowdfund through buyers or investors. Explore and prepare your war chest well for the journey!

The World Awaits!

Finally, it’s time to share your invention with the world! Develop a marketing strategy that targets your audience and highlights your product’s unique value proposition. Scout sales channels, consider online marketplaces, retail partnerships, or even direct sales. Don’t forget that licensing your invention to established companies can be a fast track to market success.

The journey from idea to market is an adventure. Adopt the challenges, celebrate the milestones, and never lose sight of your creative spark. With dedication, research, and this handy guide, bring your invention into a reality that impacts lives and grows your venture.

About us

Ready to bring your innovation to life, but don't know who to go to?

With over 25 years of experience, Bang Design is your one-stop shop for bringing your consumer product ideas to life. We cater to startups, inventors, and small manufacturers, guiding your product journey from initial concept all the way to store shelves. We prioritize high-quality, cost-effective, and timely execution, and our proven track record boasts over 800+ projects completed, even for some of the top 100 companies.

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