How to Create a Marketable Product Design for Your New Invention Idea with Design Agencies

Today’s blog discusses how to create a marketable product design for your new invention idea with design agencies. Everything starts with a good product idea, and any good marketing firm will tell you that the best product ideas will already have marketing concepts that they can build on. If your ultimate goal is to become the number one entrepreneur in your field or industry, it all starts with a good product idea.

As expected, however, it takes more than just an idea alone. You also need to be ingenuous and put in a lot of effort and work if you even dare to get started with the process of manufacturing design services and launching your product in front of your target customers.

Bringing an invention from a simple idea to a market-ready product is an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring inventor or an experienced entrepreneur, understanding the crucial steps involved in patenting and marketing your invention can make all the difference between success and failure.

To better gauge if your new product is the perfect opportunity for you or not, it’s imperative to learn more about the procedures involved in assembly and innovation.

🚀 Table of contents

1st step: Begin with proper documentation

Again, it would be a completely futile attempt on your part if you only have this “idea” in your head. You also need solid proof of the specific time or times when you actually thought of your inventive ideas.

Don’t forget to write down every single thing and every ounce of detail you can conjure up that has something to do with your invention. Your notes should include what your invention is all about, how it functions, how you plan to manufacture it, and how you will actually launch it once it’s fully developed for your product design company.

It is the first and foremost step to getting your idea patented and making sure that no one steals it from you. At this point, you might have already heard of the so-called “poor man’s patent.” It involves writing down your idea and then sending it to yourself via mail inside a sealed envelope.

Doing so will give you a dated and tangible proof of the original conception of your creation. The sad news is that this method isn’t something you can rely on, nor will it hold up well when presented in court as evidence.

What you should do instead is to grab an inventor’s journal where you will write down your idea and have a witness sign in. The journal will serve as your bible during the entire patent process. Your inventor’s journal could be any bound notebook with pages that are numbered successively and are something that can’t be reinserted or removed.

Many special designs of these inventor’s journals are available in most bookstores. Of course, you can always spend less by settling for any generic notebook you can find. Whatever your choice is, what matters here is to ensure the above requirements are met and abided by.

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2nd step: Research your invention thoroughly

Before diving headfirst into patent applications and hiring prototyping engineering services, it’s essential to research your idea thoroughly – get some feet on the ground to see if people are actually going to benefit from your product and if they are using any similar ones. This research will serve two primary purposes: ensuring that your idea is genuinely novel and confirming that there is a viable market for it; the latter part being crucial in determining whether the product will hit the mark when it comes to the consumers.

Conduct a thorough patent search for any similar innovations.

Just because you haven’t encountered a product like yours doesn’t mean it doesn’t already exist. The first step in your research should be conducting a preliminary patent search to make sure that you’re not accidentally stepping over a patent or a similar product. This is a vital step to ensure that your invention is genuinely unique and hasn’t already been patented by someone else. You can perform a free, rudimentary patent search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) website (www.uspto.gov).

In addition to searching for existing patents, it’s also wise to conduct a non-patent “prior art” search. Prior art refers to any evidence that your invention is already known, such as earlier products, designs, or publications. If prior art exists, you may not be able to patent your invention. A thorough prior art search can save you time and money, as well as the disappointment of discovering that your “new” invention isn’t new at all.

Market research to find out the viability of your product or service

The second critical aspect of your research is market viability. Your invention might be innovative, but if there’s no demand for it, your efforts could be in vain. Start by conducting preliminary market research to determine if there is a need for your product. Consider the following questions:

Is this something that people will actually buy? Who is your target market? How much are they willing to pay for your product?

A good way to gauge market interest is by comparing your idea with similar products already on the market. This comparison can also help you understand your competition and identify potential challenges and opportunities.

Additionally, you should assess whether your product can be manufactured and distributed at a cost that allows for a reasonable retail price. If the production costs are too high, you may need to reconsider or refine your design. Consider using design for manufacturability services to help with this phase.

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3rd step: Prototyping your invention

Once you’ve confirmed that your invention is both novel and marketable, it’s time for the exciting part and to move on to prototyping. A prototype is a working model of your invention, and it’s an essential step before filing a patent.

Start with a drawing

Begin the prototyping process by sketching your idea in detail. These drawings will not only help you visualize your concept but will also serve as a foundation for the actual prototype. Document all aspects of your design in your inventor’s journal, including any modifications or improvements that come to mind.

Create a concept mockup

The next step is to create a concept mockup. This doesn’t need to be a fully functional model; instead, it’s a 3D representation of your idea, which you can make using simple materials. The purpose of the mockup is to help your engineering partner identify any design flaws or improvements before moving on to a more sophisticated model.

Develop a working prototype.

After refining your concept with the mockup, the next step is to create a working prototype. This model should demonstrate the functionality of your invention and can be made using more durable materials. If your invention is too complex or expensive to build, such as an industrial process or a new pharmaceutical, consider using a computer-animated virtual prototype instead. Depending on your goals, you may even consider using rapid prototyping services.

Creating a working prototype is crucial before filing a patent because it allows you to identify and fix any issues with your design. Additionally, a well-crafted prototype can be a powerful tool when presenting your invention to potential investors, partners, or licensees.

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4th step: Filing a patent

With a working prototype in hand, you’re ready to file a patent. There are two primary types of patents you may consider: a utility patent (for new processes, machines, or compositions of matter) and a design patent (for new, non-obvious ornamental designs).

While it’s possible to draft and file a patent application yourself, it’s highly recommended to seek the help of a skilled patent professional. A well-written patent can be the difference between protecting your invention and losing your rights to a competitor. Here’s how to choose the right patent attorney or agent:

Do your homework

Come prepared with your inventor’s journal, prototype, and any other documentation. This not only saves time but also helps in persuading the patent professional to take your case.

Verify registration

Ensure that the patent professional is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Technical expertise

Choose a patent professional with a background relevant to your invention. For instance, if your invention is in the field of electronics, seek someone who is also an electrical engineer.

Discuss fees

Focus on smaller patent firms, as they tend to be more affordable and provide personalized service. Agree on the estimated total cost before hiring a patent professional.

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5th step: Marketing your invention

Now that you’ve secured a patent, it’s time to bring your product to market. There are two primary paths you can take: manufacturing and selling the product yourself or licensing it to another company.

Develop a business plan

Start by drafting a business plan that outlines how you intend to make money from your invention. Consider the following:

• Manufacturing: Where will your product be manufactured? How will you manage production costs? Will options like design for manufacturability and assembly services be advantageous?
• Sales strategy: How will you sell your product? Will you sell directly to consumers, or will you partner with retailers?
• Licensing: If you choose to license your product, you can expect to earn a royalty fee, typically between 2% and 5%. While this may seem low, licensing allows you to avoid the financial risks associated with running a business.

Prepare for the long haul

Bringing an invention to market is often a lengthy process, taking years from conception to commercialization. Patience and perseverance are essential. Stay focused on your goal, follow through with each step, and remain adaptable to changes and challenges along the way.

Successfully bringing an invention to market involves a series of careful and calculated steps, from conducting thorough research to prototyping, patenting, and finally, marketing your product. Each stage is crucial and requires careful attention to detail.

How Cad Crowd can help

If you have a groundbreaking idea that you believe has the potential to succeed, don’t let it slip away. At Cad Crowd, as an industry-leading platform, we connect you with skilled professionals who can assist you at every stage of your journey, from patent searches and prototype development to securing a patent and bringing your product to market.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to request a quote and learn how we can help you turn your idea into a reality!