Step 1 - Market analysis
One of the very first steps if not the very first step to a successful product is to identify who and what your target market will be.  This is a crucial step and will give you the insight you need before committing ANY money to product development.  This will require some leg work on your part and possibly some market analysis research cost for reports.  A good source for market analysis research reports are university / collage  computer systems.  If you are an alumni or know someone who is, this information can be accessed free of charge.

 What to do once you have this information?  This will give an idea of the market available to sell your product to.  As an example lets say you have an innovative idea for a new fishing product.  Lets say it is a salt water lure.  What you need to know is what size in $ is this industry.  How many salt water fishermen are there in your target market.  Who are the top three competitors you will be facing.  What are their respective market shares by %.  What is the average price structure of a salt water lure.  Properly funded, what percentage can you expect to grab within the first three years of production.  remember even a 1/2 of 1% or 1% of a 500 million dollar industry is still $5,000,000 US.  So you want to keep your expectations realistic and your investors will be more inclined to buy into your project.

Now you can translate your expected percentage of market share into expected annual quantities for production.  Why is this so important before product development begins?  The expected quantity will drive the type of process to be used for manufacturing.  The type of manufacturing required will drive the type of assembly process.  All of these factors will drive the design thus our creed...  Design for manufacturing.  It is extremely important to have the correct methods of assembly or production to achieve the required annual quantities or you may not be able to keep up with demand.

Step 2 - Concept
 Put your idea on a communicative format. You will need a preliminary sketch, hand drawn, or find a similar product to expand upon and discuss. Once this is accomplished we can define operating and structural parameters which are the first steps in designing a product. We can then create conceptual sketches of your idea taking all of the functional and aesthetic parameters into account. This is a very important phase of the development process as it is the foundation of the product and opens dialogue between you, the customer and us, the engineering team heading off sometimes costly revisions down the road.

We have seasoned, highly experienced, Industrial Engineering personnel on our team who can create isometric hand drawn conceptual and section views for the particular look, manufacturing and assembly methods desired. This is the least expensive method of defining a new product launch.

Step 3 - Mockups
 Once fully defined and conceptual drawings have been created, reviewed and approved, We and we can supply a hand made mock-up model. This is less expensive for this stage than going directly to 3d modeling and rapid prototypes. You and your team can review a hands on mockup early in the development stage to arrive at the desired look and feel of the product. This is typically a non-functioning component but adds great value and direction for your marketing personnel to review prior to the CAD modeling and rapid prototype process. Many elements can be cost effectively changed and modified at this stage.

Step 4 - Document your Plan
  You will need a business plan to help guide you and address all of the variables, expenses and requirements of launching a new business or expanding an existing one.  The market analysis research from step one will be used as the core of this plan.  There are several business plan software tools available from any computer / supply stores.  Business Plan Pro is one we are familiar with and gives you many options as to the depth you would like to go into.  Writing a business plan is not necessarily a requirement to start a business but is highly recommended.  This can be done at any time throughout the development process.

Contact Original Concepts Design, Inc. to set up a free review meeting to discuss your requirements.