4 Tips to Turn Your Innovative Idea into a Fully Functioning Prototype

Introduction

We're living in a world of constant innovation and excellence. There has never been a more exciting

time to create something brand new and then share it with the whole world. But creating a

prototype isn't exactly a walk in the park. It takes a lot of effort. You may have the brightest idea in

the world, or the most creative plan. But if you’re unable to translate it all into a workable, actual

solution, then it’s pretty much just a house of cards. To ensure your idea doesn’t stay vague or

intangible, take a look at these four tips to help convert your idea into a smart, functional prototype.

Find the Right Technical Collaborator

You can choose to do it all alone. But few people in the world have all the skills necessary to create a

workable, smart prototype. Let’s get real. While it isn’t impossible, it will take you a far longer time.

Time that is precious for your business. A good way to reduce the time taken for this activity is to

partner with a company or consultancy that specialises in prototype manufacturing and innovation.

A firm like BitBox, for example, is a UK-based team consisting of electronics, software and product

design engineers that specialise in prototype manufacturing and creation. The firm has over 25

years' experience in helping individuals turn their ideas and dreams into real, workable solutions.

Technology can be tricky. But by having such a team help you brainstorm creative solutions, your

dream has a much better chance of translating into reality. Design a basic prototype and then run it

past your collaborators.

Do Your Research

You don't want to reinvent the wheel! Not unless it's a really great or a way cheaper wheel, that is.

So, do your product and market research. Check for other options for what you have in mind. Maybe

an existing option can be cheaply tweaked to create what you have in mind? Or maybe someone

somewhere in another corner of the world is already manufacturing it and selling it for cheap. Check

the market and then take a call.

Check If You Want a Patent

If you've laboured over an idea and spent a good part of your life converting it to reality, then you

might want to patent your creation to make sure your efforts don't go unrewarded. Share the idea

with the world. But it might be a good idea to patent it before you do. A patent can help you recoup

your years’ long investment by ensuring you get to earn from it.

Take a Break

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is walk away from it all and take a breather. Research shows

that taking a break is a great way to help your brain relax and make its own, unique connections that

are key to innovative ideas. So, as difficult as it might seem, you’ll be doing your project a favour by

sleeping on it.

Suggested Reading 

What EdTech is and Why It is Important Today

A prototype is a labour of love. Follow these tips to ensure you can make a workable one. Take the

time to make sure your thought process leads to the exact solution (or an even better one) than you

had in mind.