New Product Ideas − How do I develop a new product idea?

Once the seed of a new product idea has taken root, utilising the unique skills of an experienced Product Designer is by far the best route to a successful end result.

Once the seed of a new product idea has taken root, utilising the unique skills of an experienced Product Designer is by far the best route to a successful end result. Fortunately, great product ideas are not the exclusive domain of multinational giants with formidable technical innovation, huge R+D budgets and slick branding. Humans have been finding solutions to everyday problems by thinking of and creating new product ideas for millennia and well before the likes of Apple or Tesla. It’s our firm belief that all individuals, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes have the potential to imagine new product ideas that can change lives. ‘’Everyone has frustrations. The problem is how to see them and find the solutions to make life better.” Whether it’s a flash of inspiration or after thousands of hours of grinding away with hundreds of modifications and rethinks, one thing is for sure: There are no new products without ideas. And at some point, every successful product has required decisions to be taken with a “let’s make it happen” moment. Here’s our 5-step guide on transforming your idea to ideal new product: 1. Reach out - Once an initial idea has generated interest and backing, it is important to invest resources in the right way. 2. Think big about new product ideas - There’s a reason that mega-companies spend megabucks on focus groups, extensive market testing and consumer studies. They are trying to ensure they don’t make something that no one actually wants. In the same way, successful entrepreneurs recognise that a good idea is a good starting point rather than a finality. Getting a true lie of the land is essential to push design boundaries. By digging deeper, looking at issues from different perspectives and challenging preconceptions and assumptions through design thinking, Product Designers establish if ideas stand up to scrutiny. 3. Re-think, rework, and refine the solution - The cyclical phases of re-evaluating the problem and rethinking solutions are essential parts of the design process that are critical to maximising the potential success of each project. 4. Put your ideas to the test with a prototype. From sketches to mock-ups and high-tech, fully functioning models, the prototype is the tangible materialisation of an idea or design. Prototyping informs the viability of an idea, manufacturing techniques, forms or choice of materials through testing. 5. Making it real − manufacturing. The significant issue of manufacturing can frequently bring projects to a grinding halt. When it comes to getting tested and approved product prototypes into production, it takes a safe pair of hands with particular skills and experience to successfully navigate the choppy waters of tooling, manufacturer sourcing and pre-production. We’ve seen that moving your project on by working with a product design company can mitigate the risks and increases the chances of success over going it alone. At Flynn Product Design, we’re here to accompany you on your product development journey. Our one-to-one, confidential design workshops are an accessible and convenient way to explore the future potential of your product idea. We’re dedicated to working with individuals and companies on a one-to-one basis through all stages of the design process.