A 16kw gas patio heater giving a warm comfortable heat - ever wondered what really went into producing it? Everything we take for granted has come from a single idea. Whether it's your keyboard, your toothbrush or even your patio heater everything started with a bit of imagination and hard work!
These ideas could have been inspired from seeing a problem and then solving it. For instance the person who invented the patio heater might have felt cold outside one evening and decided that some warmth was needed.
SWOT analysis (Successes, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)
Many of us have ideas so what takes a concept from nothing to sales? What stages are there to go through?
The key right at the start is to do as much research as possible. Is there really a need for your brilliant design? Has it been done before? Is the idea patented already? Who is going to put in the investment to take your product idea through to market? Are you the right person to develop it?
Think of every angle before you start. Ask friends and family for their views. Look to see what the potential competition are doing, can you improve on what they have done? Is there a reason why there are not doing it?
Patent The Idea
If you're feeling really confident about your idea talk to someone who can patent or protect your design idea. In the UK a patent professional will lodge an application with the Intellectual Property Office on your behalf.
Product Designer
Let's carry on with the patio heater example, you'll need to get a Product Designer to help you with the next stage. Working with programs such as CAD (a technical drawing piece of software), a good product designer will help you go through the process of creating your product and making it a reality.
They take a systematic approach and can provide mocks up of your finished design in 3D. They can help visualise ways your product will roughly look.
This is a great way to solve potential products and often designs will change many times. However, it's essential to iron out any issues as much as you can before going to a designer - remember they will charge for their time and design.
Production
Hopefully you patent has been approved.
The next stage is the production or manufacturing of your product. With a patio heater for instance, what materials would you want your heater to be made out of; steel, aluminium, both? These raw materials will often be sourced by the manufacturer.
Your product will need to be checked against national safety standards before your patio heater is launched. Several real prototypes will be produced for you. A CE mark will be given if it meets those strict criteria.
Ready to sell
At last you are ready to sell your gas patio heater. You could sell it through third parties, through your website or a shop. You might want to include extras in the next model you work on, such as a wooden table.
These ideas could have been inspired from seeing a problem and then solving it. For instance the person who invented the patio heater might have felt cold outside one evening and decided that some warmth was needed.
SWOT analysis (Successes, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)
Many of us have ideas so what takes a concept from nothing to sales? What stages are there to go through?
The key right at the start is to do as much research as possible. Is there really a need for your brilliant design? Has it been done before? Is the idea patented already? Who is going to put in the investment to take your product idea through to market? Are you the right person to develop it?
Think of every angle before you start. Ask friends and family for their views. Look to see what the potential competition are doing, can you improve on what they have done? Is there a reason why there are not doing it?
Patent The Idea
If you're feeling really confident about your idea talk to someone who can patent or protect your design idea. In the UK a patent professional will lodge an application with the Intellectual Property Office on your behalf.
Product Designer
Let's carry on with the patio heater example, you'll need to get a Product Designer to help you with the next stage. Working with programs such as CAD (a technical drawing piece of software), a good product designer will help you go through the process of creating your product and making it a reality.
They take a systematic approach and can provide mocks up of your finished design in 3D. They can help visualise ways your product will roughly look.
This is a great way to solve potential products and often designs will change many times. However, it's essential to iron out any issues as much as you can before going to a designer - remember they will charge for their time and design.
Production
Hopefully you patent has been approved.
The next stage is the production or manufacturing of your product. With a patio heater for instance, what materials would you want your heater to be made out of; steel, aluminium, both? These raw materials will often be sourced by the manufacturer.
Your product will need to be checked against national safety standards before your patio heater is launched. Several real prototypes will be produced for you. A CE mark will be given if it meets those strict criteria.
Ready to sell
At last you are ready to sell your gas patio heater. You could sell it through third parties, through your website or a shop. You might want to include extras in the next model you work on, such as a wooden table.
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