MineZone Wiki

Notes from Secrets From An Inventor's Notebook by Maurice Kanbar

5 Steps to Inventing success

1. solve a problem
   1. Observe the world around you and be curious about what you see.
   2. Study problems--think about why they exist, who they affect, and how they might be solved.
   3. Ask questions, of yourself and others.
   4. Look up words you don't understand and subjects that are unfamiliar to you.
   5. Recognize and embrace the advantages of being a nonexpert.
   6. Read as much as you can.
      • local and national newspapers
      • magazines
      • catalogs
      • trade journals and trade association publications
      • government studies
      • the Internet
   7. Pay attention to surprises, accidents, and make connections--think of ways to use them.
   8. Carry a notebook to record your questions, insights, and reflections.
   9. Talk with others. Seek out intelligent give and take in small group, with egos checked at the door, and with mutual criticism that requires each person to defend his or her positions.
   10. Go to places like San Francisco's Exploratorium museum of science, art and human perception--places where the imagination and ingenuity of others is on display and may spark your own.
2. prove your invention/build a prototype
3. protect your idea
4. manufacture or license?
   • being able to retail for approximately four times your cost, including manufacturing, packaging, insurance, returns, waste, etc. is a standard goal ($1 to make, $3.98 retail)
5. market with a twist
   1. hold a contest (among a diverse group) to name the product or service

Ask Yourself:

• Is manufacturing my idea fesible? Do I have some nuts-and-bolts ideas about how to carry it out?
• Is my idea worth implementing? Will it offer unique benefits over other products?
• Is it a clear winner? Is the market big enough to create decent profit margins in the not-too-distant future?

Prototyping phases:

• Basic Design: nonfunctional or crudely functional; probably not make from material you ultimately envision
• Functional Model: tested until it works as you'd like
• Model Modified Based on Testing: tested on end users and improved
• Working Prototype: tested by actual consumers in real-world setting
• Production Models: sold in a test market

Some Prototyping Resources

• builders of model airplanes and other hobbyists
• California manufacturing technology center
• Fine Scale Modeler, Design News, and Machine Design magazines for articles and supplier ads
• McCaster-Carr Supply Company for tools and hardware
• Modelmaker's Handbook (Alfred A. Knopf)
• Stock Model Parts sells an assortment of small parts and prototype kits
• United States Plastic Corporation sells plastic materials, glues, and tools

Low-Cost Market Research

• test your reasoning, not necessarily your idea, on people you know will be absolutely honest with you. ("Would you buy a gadget that does X?" no "How would you feel about X gadget?")
• Approach people who work in the market you are trying to enter and offer to pay them for a few hours of consulting time. Again, you need not disclose your idea. Ask about existing products, consumer feeback, adn any unusual sales factors.
• Talk to distributors, store owners, and salespeople.
• Go to tradeshows.

Chapter titled "Protect Your Idea" has lots of good information.