Good Ideas Many projects that we work on start with a prototype that someone created in their garage. Before focusing on how it works and how to make it work better, we usually focus on understanding what problem the product solves. We evaluate the needs of the end-user; these needs ultimately drive the need for the product. In determining whether the idea is viable, we focus first on determining whether you have picked a good problem to solve. Brainstorming Brainstorming is a tool that 3DM Design uses for generating significant quantities of ideas regarding a particular problem or situation. The environment of the brainstorm is one that promotes free thought, limits negative criticism until the appropriate time, and encourages participants to build on other's ideas. Often the most valuable brainstorming results are the unexpected ideas that emerge from seemingly silly concepts. Critiquing the ideas, or Reverse Brainstorming, comes next. The environment of this activity is generally one of scrutiny. Each idea is objectively evaluated. Those that are dead ends, and cannot be built upon are set aside, and surviving ideas form the basis for solutions concepts. There are many brainstorming techniques, and some are more effective for particular situations than others. At 3DM Design, we've carefully crafted our techniques to make efficient use of time, while creating a very broad range of ideas. Evaluating the idea Objectively evaluating an idea is often difficult for the inventor who originated the idea. Typically, the inventor is too close to the project to make realistic estimations of the idea's worth. One thing we advise is the ten-person test. 3DM Design can create a photo-realisitc rendering of what your product might look like. Put a price-tag on this image and show it to ten people you can trust (get them to sign a confidentiality agreement). Ask them if they would buy the product for the price you have in mind. It is very important that you select people who will tell you the truth, even if the truth is 'no, I wouldn't buy it'. If your ideas passes the common sense ten-person test, then it's time to start thinking about more formal evaluation tools. These include focus groups, surveys, and developing a thorough understanding of the market in question. 3DM Design and its network can assist you with planning and executing these market evaluation strategies. Established organizations spend thousands of dollars on focus groups to make sure that they are developing products that will be accepted by the market. But even with all this feedback, you still need to make the decision. Focus group feedback is not typically black & white and require gut understanding of a market and its needs. Protect the Idea It is important to protect your idea with a non-disclosure agreement before discussing the details with anyone (even us). 3DM Design standard NDA, or one created by your lawyer can serve this purpose. Eventually, you'll want to build your intellectual property with patent protection. 3DM Design will be happy to suggest some of the patent attorneys we've worked with in the past.