How to Invent New Products. Part I: Generating Ideas

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By cmanny
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Patent Drawing Example: One of my early patent application drawing.

Almost anyone can be an inventor and come up with great ideas for new products. Inventions and new products come in all shapes, sizes, and complexity. Some of the best inventions are simple and make others say “why didn’t I think of that”.

Inventing new products can be a long process; fortunately it’s easy to get started. Generating ideas to base a new invention is a skill that can be leaned with a few simple tips. Methods for generating new ideas and sources for inspiration are covered in “Part 1 Generating Ideas” the first in a series covering how to invent new products.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Spiral notebooks
3x5 Cards
Pen or Pencil
An Open Mind
Imagination

Step 1

The first step in how to invent things and ultimately make extra money at home inventing new products is setting your mind to the task. Step back from daily life and recognize opportunities for new inventions. Decide to make the effort to start down the path of inventing new things. It can become addicting!
Step 2

Ideas can come to you at any time day or night. Be prepared to capture an idea or make a sketch. Keep a standard size spiral notebook to write down or sketch out your ideas. A small spiral notebook or 3x5 index cards also work well for on the go situations. Make sure you date your ideas and write as much about the ideas as you can at the time of the original thought. You will be thankful once you come back to work on the idea.
Step 3

Don’t discount simple ideas. Generally simple products are easier to get adopted, easier to sell, and less costly to manufacture. Even if an idea or sketch doesn’t end in a new product, it can inspire you in other areas or variations on the original idea.
Step 4

You want to invent things, great! Where do you find ideas? One of the best sources of ideas for new inventions are things that annoy you. Generally inventions are good when they solve a problem in our life. So look for problems to solve.
Step 5

Brainstorming is a great buzz word but it also is a way to arrive at ideas for consideration. Pick a topic such as kitchens, baths, gardens, garage, office, medical, or whatever subject you prefer. Next choose an area within that topic you consider a chore, tedious, or a problem to everyone. Breakdown that problem and get to the root of the problem. Now you have an opportunity for a new invention. Do this for an hour with as many topics as you can.
Step 6

Another great way to get inspired for new inventions is to just sit and watch people. A park, the mall, sports events, or any gathering can provide new ideas. Watch people’s interactions, activities, and of course any problems that need solving. Sometimes removing yourself from the action can provide new perspective.
Step 7

Friends and family are also great sources of inspiration. Listen to their daily challenges and success stories. Consider what is at the root of their situation. Ask them questions to help zero in on an idea.
Step 8

Many great inventions and ultimate money makers are improvements upon existing products. You don’t have to “reinvent the wheel” to have success as an inventor. If you have ever used a product and thought “it” could be done more simply, you may be onto a great invention.
Step 9

Keep writing ideas in your notebook. Once you find an idea that keeps you awake at night thinking of ways to get prototypes made, ways to market it, or ways to sell the product, you may have a winner! Now its time to share the idea with trusted friends who can provide honest feedback, prospective, and become your product test team.
Step 10

Next Article:How to Invent New Products. Part II: Initial Patent Search, see the direct link below.

Comments

jcp2 said

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on 11/9/2009 great article!

grimsleygl said

on 6/13/2009 What a wonderful article. I will be reading part II and III as well. Thanks for the pep talk, encouragement and step-by-steps. Well written! 5*'s