Ideas are everywhere. Whether the idea is to build a drone, create an innovative coffee machine, utilize efficient lighting or build an alarm control panel, everyone has ideas. There’s always some little (or big) thing that could make your life easier, more efficient, or simpler.
But there often is a long, and lengthy, process from taking an idea from concept to reality, to something tangible that you can hold in your hand.
This is where Anidea Engineering comes in. We take ideas, mere thoughts, and bring them to reality, making them into something real.
We make something from nothing, whether it is helping with product development, engineering consulting, hardware design and engineering, software design and development, industrial design and mechanical engineering, printed circuit board design and development or manufacturing and prototypes, we do it all!
On the top of our web site, right below the URL, is an amazing document to help any inventor prepare for the process, one which we excel at guiding companies through.
When you’re ready, it is time to make a prototype. So what exactly is a prototype? Merriam-Webster defines a prototype as “an original or first model of something from which other forms are copied or developed; someone or something that has the typical qualities of a particular group, kind, etc.; and a first or early example that is used as a model for what comes later.”
Thomas Edison went through many different variations of his prototype of the light bulb before he found one that worked. It took him more than 10,000 tries, but eventually he got there. This can be a long process, but in the end, it is worth the time and dedication. After all, your idea is on the path to becoming a reality.
So you start with a prototype to create a tangible version of your idea. There are many types of prototypes, but the three Anidea Engineering typically deals with are:
- Proof of Concept – This would be an early level prototype that includes many of the final features, but usually has a low level of customization. Typically, Anidea Engineering can take a few off-the-shelf-devices, modify them, program them, etc., and prove the concept the inventor has in mind is practical. They can then be used for raising early stage funds and validating your idea to focus groups.
- Functional Prototype – This is a mid-stage prototype, which usually has a high level of customization. Most components are custom or designed for volume purchasing at this point. Most of the features are in place. There may be some compromises on functionality due to cost or time constraints.
- Pilot Run – This is a late stage prototype which you have before you start production without the engineers. At this stage the device should represent what you intend to sell. If you find issues here, you iterate, make minor changes and try again.
Prototypes can range in how sophisticated their design and packing are, whether they are made in the garage with a glue gun, or professionally made and ready to show to the market. However, in the early stages, it doesn’t have to be pretty – it just needs to work. Even if it doesn’t, and you keep having to return to the drawing board for your design, don’t feel badly. It isn’t a failure; you are learning what doesn’t work. If it worked for Edison (Even Thomas Edison went through more than 10,000 prototypes until the lightbulb was just right), it will work for you, right?
At Anidea Engineering, we guide you through the process, going from a garage and glue gun inventor to a professional, sellable, specific product.
Yes, prototypes are expensive. For instance, a watch might cost $100 in a department store, but to get that watch from concept to prototype, with manufacturing and testing, may cost more than $100,000.
It takes time, effort, organization and work to take an idea from concept to reality, and we’re here to help.
To learn more, visit www.anidea-engineering.com or call us at (561) 383-7311. Check us out and see how we can help you. Have an idea? Get Anidea! We’re located at 8020 Belvedere Road, Suite 1 in West Palm Beach Florida. Not local? Call and we can set up a Skype conversation at gabriel.goldstein.anidea.