There was a 12% increase in patent filings in 2022, which proves that we’re a nation of inventors.
Learning the basics of inventing is essential for turning your dream product into reality and capitalizing on your skillset. But, if you don’t know what to expect, you could miss out on a life-changing opportunity. Maybe that’s what brought you here; you want to learn how to invent something and need a nudge in the right direction.
Sounds like you? No worries, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to invent something.
Develop the Right Skills
The first step in the inventing process is cultivating the right skills.
A good inventor should have great problem-solving abilities so that they can brainstorm endless ideas. And you’ll need creative-thinking skills to think outside the box.
Find a Problem to Solve
Before you can start selling your idea, you must search for a problem worth solving. This will ensure that you create a product that people are willing to buy.
For instance, if you notice that your kid is spending too much time on their smartphone, invent a modern board game that will pique their interest.
Conduct Market Research
Once you’ve come up with an idea, check out the current industry and market.
See if a business is already selling an invention similar to yours to see how they’ve approached solving the problem. Note how they’re promoting and packaging the product. If you’re still in the design process, figure out how it’ll differentiate from theirs and how yours can stand out from the competition.
Also, market research will reveal whether consumers are interested in the product. The beauty is that if it isn’t, then you can move on to your next idea without losing a huge amount of time or money.
Create a Realistic Prototype
When you’ve got a winning idea, start making a prototype. Figure out whether you can build it yourself or seek help from professionals like custom fixture warehousing services. Remember, a 3D mock-up won’t suffice, so make sure that it’s top-quality and working.
Then, show your product to prospects and see how they react. Although it’s your baby, take a step back and don’t be offended if consumers share negative feedback. Instead, use this to improve your product and catch problems early on.
Protect Your Idea
Before selling and marketing your invention, apply for a patent. Not only will it protect unique products, but it will stop others from using your name.
Also, if you haven’t already, make sure that no one has used a similar one; otherwise, you’ll be in hot water.
Our Tips on How to Invent Something
Hopefully, you now know how to invent something.
There are many steps to help you, such as developing the necessary skills and spending time on market research. Inventors should also build a working prototype and always protect their idea to avoid being plagiarized. Good luck with your venture!
Good read? Great! Then, check out the rest of our blog for more useful content.