The Invention Process: A Step By Step Process to Create an Invention
An invention is a novel creation that solves a problem. It is different from what previous products or designs have achieved. However, to create a successful innovation, it's vital to follow a process known as the invention process.
How to Come Up with an Invention Idea
With any invention, the idea is the most essential part. With a suitable topic, it's easier to create an effective design. So, how does one brainstorm an idea?
An idea must address an issue in society. While it's easy to turn to huge world problems such as climate change, this issue can surround everyday life, such as products that help improve cooking utensils.
Regardless, the idea must address a problem a specific group of people faces and should be easy for the user to implement in their lives. This will allow your invention to thrive in the market with other competitors. Here are a few brainstorming strategies to help with creativity during the invention process.
Brainstorming Strategies
One fantastic strategy includes brainstorming on the move. This strategy involves thinking of problems as you go about your everyday life. Try to identify societal issues and jot them down as you go about your regular schedule. In the invention process, it's paramount not to force ideas but to remain vigilant to identify any common issues that can be solved.
Another common strategy is to start writing. Allocate some time to brainstorm whatever comes to mind, big or small, and jot these ideas down in a notebook. It's crucial to note that this process involves complete infiltration of ideas. Don't assess whether a topic is right to pursue; let your thoughts flow.
Some more organized methods, such as word association or mind maps, allow you to go from broader topics to specific ones. Write down a main idea and draw lines to more detailed thoughts. Cubing, another brainstorming strategy, allows you to approach your idea from various aspects, such as what competitors have done and what are possible solutions.
Researching your Idea
Once you've come up with an idea, it's necessary to understand the issue's prevalence and what previous competitors have done. This is one of the most important steps in the invention process.
Spend a few days looking up statistics on the problem on both a local and international level. Keep in mind that more niche topics may have little available data. However, your research can help you understand if the subject is worth pursuing.
If the idea is not prevalent, consider considering your brainstormed ideas and researching options. If it is prevalent, then the research will help you determine who your customer base will be and where they might be located.
Understanding the Market
Before you start to design the solution, you want to understand who your market is, its size, and more. This will affect what your design looks like. For example, if the demographic of your customer base is rural, your solution will need to be simple and easily implementable.
Some critical questions to consider include:
Who is my market?
What is the market size?
Are there existing products available?
To understand this, look into what previous inventors have created. Take notes on what the solution itself, who it addresses, what it does well, and how it can improve. For example, if one solution only helps a part of the target audience, your product should be broader. After all, most of the invention process involves revising and editing previous prototypes to improve them.
It is vital to research these topics as it can be the difference between a successful invention and one that fails due to competitors.
Designing a Solution
After thoroughly understanding the market, it's time to design a solution conceptually. In the invention process, developing a solution is vital before creating one. This will save time on creating a solution that might be ineffective.
While any solution will undergo multiple prototypes, conceptualizing an invention will help improve solutions.
Once you've come up with a basic outline of your invention, here are a few major questions to ask yourself throughout the invention process:
Does my solution have advantages over previous solutions?
Is my solution easy to use?
On average, how much does my solution cost?
Are there better materials to use instead?
Repeat this process multiple times before you are confident in your solution. At this point, start creating a prototype of your solution. If this requires learning new skills, such as how to CAD or program, be sure to develop these abilities before creating your invention.
Receiving Feedback
Once you've made your prototype, it's time to test it and receive feedback from others. A great way to do this is by sending out surveys to those who fit the description of your target audience. While asking friends and family members is excellent, they might have a more biased view of your product.
After receiving feedback from a considerable number of people, ask them the questions stated in the previous section and implement their feedback.
Sometimes, this might involve making slight changes to your design. Other times, it might include making profound changes, such as switching to a different material.
Regardless, this step of the invention process - receiving and implementing feedback - is vital in building a successful product.
Next Steps
Now that you've created your invention, you might consider patenting it. This next step of the invention process involves getting a patent consultation with an attorney. They will provide information on how to proceed through this process, such as getting a provisional patent.
After your invention is patented, it's time to manufacture and sell your product. This blog will not cover these steps but just explain how to create your design.
Inventing and AI
AI is revolutionizing society and providing an incredible method to solve various problems. Here at Inspirit AI, we have multiple programs that teach students the basics of AI and how to apply them to real life.
For example, the AI Scholars program allows students to learn more about topics such as AI and music, sustainability, finance, healthcare, and more.
The knowledge learned from the Inspirit AI programs can be applied to solving various world problems, ultimately creating a novel way to create solutions for your inventions throughout the invention process.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
