How to Invent
Knowing how to invent is easy. Remember that most inventions are minor improvements on current ideas. Knowing how to invent is also just remembering that there are many ways to solve a problem. Maybe you'd like to be an inventor! Do you see light bulbs in your future?
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Instructions
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Pick a subject area about which you have knowledge.
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Think of a time when you encountered a problem and thought to yourself that "there must be a better solution."
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Analyze what the problem was.
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Write out the problem as a single statement. If you can't state it succinctly, chances are that you're not at the "root of the problem."
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List the possible causes of the problem.
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Make a list of possible solutions to the problem. There are lots of techniques. The most common is brainstorming, or generating ideas randomly. TRIZ (the Russian acronym for TIPS, a method of improving the old and inventing the new by using algorithms) is another fun technique.
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List the benefits and disadvantages of each approach. Pick the best possible solution. Poof! You may well have just invented something. Check to make sure someone has not invented "your" solution to the same problem. You can keyword search on the USPTO website.
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Consider patenting your idea. Remember that patents aren't cheap, and most never generate a profit for the inventor. However, also keep in mind that some patents do generate profit!
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Pat yourself on the back! Inventing is hard work. Or maybe just invent a back patter to do that job!
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