You don’t have to be a technology whiz kid to think of a new tech product idea these days. All you need is a fantastic idea for a new gadget or device that is innovative, disruptive and improves people’s lives. It’s getting the work done and creating the product that are the problems, and some newcomers to manufacturing and technology might find everything a little overwhelming. With this in mind, we thought we would use today to highlight some of the key steps you need to take when creating a new technology product. Let’s take a closer look.
Document your goals
First of all, always make sure you have everything down on paper. Sketch out your idea, and include as much information on everything you can think of, including your core features, functions, estimated prices, and some market research. So many people have bright ideas all the time, but few even make it to this stage. The benefits of putting everything down on paper are clear: it makes everything real, is a good start to your business plan, and will give you a chance to consider its viability.
Electrical design
As early as you can, it’s worth hiring an electrical engineer to design the electronics that will power your technology product. This vital step will show you if your idea is really viable, and if you can squeeze everything into your original ideas of size and design. It will also give you an idea of what will – and won’t – work in your product.
Find the right suppliers
Developing healthy relationships with your raw material or parts suppliers is essential. As LaserLight.com point out, as technology progresses, it is starting to pose more complex problems than before. Using a specialist manufacturer to create particular parts – for microelectronics, for example – might be necessary. It is vital to choose suppliers and providers that can match your precise needs to ensure your product’s quality.
Always prototype
As creativebloq.com recommend, before you begin the manufacturing process in earnest, it is essential to build a prototype. This will be the first chance you get to hold your device, playing with it, and letting others take a look and offer their thoughts. Prototypes will also reveal any significant problems with your device, and help you bridge any issues that you encounter when using separate vendors – the manufacturers and the electrical engineers.
Evaluation
At this stage in the process, you should have a good idea of whether your product is going to work. There will be evaluations to make, of course, and there is also a good chance you will have to make some tweaks. It’s important to understand that the first product you create will generally be nothing like the final version – and this is a relatively regular occurrence in tech product creation. Repeat the stages above as necessary until you are 100% happy – and then it’s time to start manufacturing and marketing your new technology product.
Feel free to share your thoughts on technology product development in the comments section below. Good luck!