My process thread

[Ali B]

I had an idea for a product but I recently discovered it already exists. Initially, I was disappointed and decided to abandon the idea. However, I had a second look and I realized that the product has a lot of negative feedback and numerous complaints on Reddit, YouTube comments, and detailed blog reviews, I've decided to develop my own version that addresses these issues. Many users express comments like, "I want to love this product," and "I wish it were better," and even hope for a competitor to improve upon it. Despite their efforts to mitigate some problems in the product use DIY's, the fundamental design flaws remain. I aim to create a superior product that fulfills these unmet needs.


I will do this by breaking down the complex problem into smaller simple tasks that I can do today.

How?

1. Outline the product features
2. Highlight the core features of the product
3. Start with the easiest one to get the ball rolling
4. Break down the easiest one into smaller simpler tasks using ChatGPT
5. Do that tasks until feature is built safely
6. Repeat with the remaining features
7. Iterate. Improve 1 thing each time. Do it 100x per feature / aspect of the the product

The smaller tasks for each feature will look something like this for most of them:

1. Research materials and technology to achieve feature
2. Design the system in SolidWorks
3. Run simulations to test the system
4. Purchase or 3D print components required to build the system
5. Assemble together
6. Connect and program electronics
7. Test and iterate until it works safely. Not looking for perfection, just proof that it works.

Everything else is a distraction

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Ali B]

The main worry I have is that there are lots of patents on the features of the product itself so I will have to avoid them. I will do some research on that as well.

 

[AmazingLarry]

The main worry I have is that there are lots of patents on the features of the product itself so I will have to avoid them. I will do some research on that as well.

There's a lot of good info on this you can lookup online.

Essentially you need to look at the claims of the patent and make sure you omit at least 1 feature of the claim.

For example, if the patent claims features A B C and D, you have to make sure you don't have all of those in your product. You can have 3 of them, but not all 4 or you will infringe.

If you have all 4 and add extra features, doesn't matter. You still infringe.

I did a job a few years ago where I designed a new product around an existing patent, and the customer went on to get a patent on the new design, so I do have some experience with this.