Hi folks, recently, one of our customers approached us for support during their ideation stage, asking for guidance on how to turn an initial concept into a viable product. This inspired me to start a blog series where I’ll share our thought process, tactics, and insights on moving from idea to product. I hope these tips will be useful to someone, somewhere, someday.

The Idea

Let’s break it down to the essentials: ideas generally fall into two categories:

“Must-Have” Ideas (“How to” ideas)

These ideas address pressing issues and seek to solve them in completely new or innovative ways. They’re the kind of ideas that, if executed well, could be essential to solving a significant problem. “Must-have” ideas provide value by fundamentally changing how a task is done or an issue is approached.

Take the transition from traditional incandescent light bulbs to LED lighting. Traditional bulbs were inefficient and had short lifespans, consuming high levels of energy and producing a lot of heat. The invention and adoption of LED technology addressed these issues directly, providing a much longer-lasting, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly lighting solution. LEDs have become a “must-have” because they solve the problem of energy waste and high utility costs, offering a new, better way to light homes, businesses, and public spaces.

“Nice-to-Have” Ideas (“What if” ideas)

These are ideas that envision new possibilities or ways to improve existing systems but aren’t necessarily essential. They aim to enhance convenience, add a layer of efficiency, or improve upon something that already exists without disrupting a person’s ability to function without it.

A good example would be a smart light that automatically turns on and off when you enter or leave a room. Sure, we all know how to use a light switch, but the convenience of automation can save energy and add a touch of luxury to everyday life.

What Makes a Great Product Idea?

Great product ideas often stem from domain knowledge, experience, or expertise. The key here is insight into a specific problem space and a keen understanding of the people it affects. Typically, impactful ideas start as “What if” solutions but have the potential to evolve into “How to” ideas that can streamline processes, reduce costs, or save time.

It’s important to remember that while your idea is valuable, it’s just an idea until executed. Chances are, someone else somewhere has had a similar thought.

Rule of thumb

What sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their ability to act on that idea and see it through. Your ability to execute on a vision is what truly differentiates you.

The Pre-Prototypes

During this exercice, I’ll skip the business fundamentals, assuming you’ve already laid the groundwork with 30-50 customer discovery calls, built a waiting list, and established a solid understanding of what your potential customers are looking for. Skipping these steps risks turning your product into just another side project, so make sure you’re equipped with insights into your target audience’s needs and challenges.

With customer insights in hand, your first goal is to create something tangible that demonstrates a minimum viable version of the product. This doesn’t have to be a fully functioning prototype—depending on the type of product, it could range from a simple animated mockup to a basic version that highlights the core functionality.

Lookalike Prototype

A lookalike prototype serves to test your product’s User Interface (UI) or User Experience (UX). This could be anything from static images or generative videos to Figma mockups or even cardboard foam models. The goal is to give users a sense of how the product will look and feel. If you’re a designer or have a background in product design, you’ll likely enjoy this step.

Workalike Prototype

A workalike prototype, on the other hand, focuses on functionality. The idea here is to allow users to experience the essential outcome of your solution with a bare minimum of working features. If you have an engineering background, this is your time to shine.

For instance, if your idea is a smart light, a lookalike prototype could be an animation showing someone entering a room and the light turning on, or leaving and the light turning off. The workalike prototype, however, might involve an Arduino connected to an LED and a proximity sensor to demonstrate the core functionality in action.

Rule of Thumb

Don’t aim for perfection at this stage. Focus on one aspect at a time. The goal is to quickly test your hypothesis, validate your understanding of user needs, and ensure your potential users understand the essence of what you’re building.

The Prototype

Now that you’ve validated your concept with pre-prototypes, it’s time to build a more comprehensive prototype. This version should combine both the look and functionality into a cohesive whole.

Key Considerations

• Scope Management: Focus on core features that demonstrate your product’s unique value proposition. Avoid feature creep.
• Material Selection: Choose materials that balance cost, durability, and ease of modification. 3D printing can be invaluable at this stage.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of your design decisions, challenges, and solutions. This will be invaluable for future iterations.

Tools and Resources

• CAD Software: Tools like Fusion 360 or OnShape for mechanical design
• Circuit Design: Platforms like KiCad or Eagle for electronics
• Microcontrollers: Arduino or Raspberry Pi for smart functionality
• 3D Printing Services: Local makerspaces or online services for rapid prototyping

Rule of Thumb

Your prototype should be good enough to demonstrate the core value proposition but doesn’t need to be production-ready. The goal is to get meaningful feedback from potential users.

Next Steps

With a working prototype in hand, you’re ready to:
1. Gather user feedback through structured testing
2. Iterate based on real-world usage data
3. Begin planning for manufacturing and scaling
4. Start conversations with potential investors or partners

Remember, the journey from idea to prototype is rarely linear. Be prepared to pivot, adapt, and refine your concept based on what you learn along the way.

Key Takeaways

The path from idea to prototype requires patience, persistence, and a methodical approach. By breaking down the process into manageable steps - from idea validation through pre-prototypes to a working prototype - you can minimize risks and maximize your chances of success.

Don’t forget that tools like ProductFlo.io can help streamline this journey, providing the resources and support you need to bring your ideas to life more efficiently.

TL;DR: I hope, this was usefull to you and will help you understand the importance of methodical execution over just having a good idea.

Ideas Classification

• “Must-Have” ideas that solve pressing problems
• “Nice-to-Have” ideas that enhance existing solutions

Pre-Prototype Phase

• Lookalike prototypes for testing UI/UX
• Workalike prototypes for testing functionality

Prototype Development

• Focus on core features
• Choose appropriate materials and tools
• Document everything

Key Tips

• Validate with 30-50 customer discovery calls first
• Don’t aim for perfection in early stages
• Be prepared to iterate based on feedback