When developing a new product from scratch we usually use the simple process described below. Whether you use our services for one step, every step or not at all, you'll want to follow a sound process to save time, protect your investment and maximize your product's potential for success.
To the greatest extent possible, the process is most effective when the steps are taken on simultaneously instead of in a discrete, sequential fashion. The main idea is to always be looking ahead and to use any and all information possible to reinforce the entire process. Implicit in using information and knowledge from every step is to make sure that your team is always communicating openly.

define
The first step in our process is to quickly define all the important aspects of both your product and your project. Examples of some of the more straightforward aspects will be identifying target market, sell price, performance targets (speed, precision, load carrying ability, etc...), product options (different applications), cost targets, and other quantitative features. In addition to these however, every product has qualitative features like - robustness, durability, ease of use, look and feel, etc... 
Other considerations involve your expected business model - Are you trying to develop an idea to license or to manufacture yourself? If you plan to license or sell your idea, do you need a drawing, functional prototype or a fully developed product to show? If you plan to manufacture should plans include manufacturing part or all of it overseas? Do you need to differentiate your product from another currently on the market and should we try to optimize your design for cost to dissuade would-be competitors from targeting your product?
How you plan to sell your product is also important - Many entrepreneurs will say their products sell by word of mouth but in actuality their products sell because the branding is prominent and effective enough to communicate on their own.
Much of this definition exists as part of your current business model or should be part of your new business plan.

conceptualize 
Often a new idea is discussed in terms of a proposed solution. This is helpful but shouldn't exclude considering other possibilites that may be better. Undiscovered possibilites become opportunities for the competition or just prevent you from maximizing your profits.
Sometimes design firms will treat conceptualization as an abstract activity that relies on praying for divine inspiration. Effective conceptualization comes from examining alternate solutions developed from different methodologies. For instance competing concepts may be created by breaking down a product idea into its fundamental uses, functions and operations and examining alternate ways of executing these. Another strategy involves identifying how similar operations are executed by completely different products in other markets - Example: a scissor lift mechanism used in a common ironing board may make more sense to guide linear motion in a lifting device than full length linear bearing shafts that may require too much space.



design
This step involves working out the details to take your product from a concept into complete drawings and specifications for each component that will be fabricated or purchased. This model is usually a functional prototype or production prototype. Sometimes, if the product's appearance is critical enough you may opt for a non-functional model from wood, foam, clay and other materials. Also, during this step we may build one or more quick mock-ups to verify specific component form, fit or function or perform a simple experiment to verify functionality before completing detail design. We have a full model making shop to support these activities. Lastly, this is a good time to consider securing patent and other legal protection since it won't be long before you start communicating with others about your product.

validate
Once you've produced a prototype it must be validated on several levels. One is to ensure that properties that are not suited to verification on the computer screen or through analysis function as desired. This can be anything from the way the unit looks, the feel of a button or a "drop test" to verify that the product won't break if dropped during shipping or in normal use. Prototypes also give you something to show people besides just drawings and plans. You may show the prototype to potential investors, customers, manufacturers or use it to produce marketing collateral. Lastly, you'll want to verify at this time that production costs are as they should be before continuing.

productize
To this point you have been primarily concerned with getting the first "working" unit. Once that's been achieved it is time to concern yourself with marketing, packaging, wrapping up 3rd party approvals if necessary (ie; CE, CSA, FM , UL) and working out any design details before volume production. If someone other than yourself will be selling or servicing the product, support work must be done to bring those people on board. In some cases it may be prudent to plan for a limited product release in order to reduce the work required and exposure to risk in the event problems arise.

launch
This is the step where every part of your organization comes to life - selling, buying, accounting, production and most importantly customer service. As the primary driver behind your product you must watch over it all but nothing is as important as the customers' reaction. Listen to what is being said (and what isn't). Be prepared to act quickly to respond to new or changing needs. You may find that your current product's successful launch will lead you directly to the next one.