We’re all waiting for that big invention idea to come to us and profoundly change our lives. Instead of thinking big when developing new invention ideas, try thinking smaller! Start by solving persisting problems you encounter in your daily routine.
Take notice of those small issues you have when completing routine chores or your daily commute to work. Evaluating how to streamline or enhance the way these mundane tasks are performed is where great ideas often stem from. Improving your life in a small way by developing a quick and easy solution can ultimately turn into an impactful invention idea that changes the lives of people beyond yourself.
KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid
Be mindful of what is going on around you. Most people find that when they are truly present and not fretting about a myriad of other things, they discover their most creative ideas. Our best advice for developing new invention ideas is to actively practice present thinking more frequently, and you will be surprised by how creative your thinking starts to become.
Get Moving
It is common for ideas to come to people when they’re being active. It doesn’t have to be something as intense as Pilates or CrossFit; you can simply go for a walk or a run. You could also pull a Steve Jobs and go on a walk with a friend, colleague, or potential business partner. Steve Jobs often held meetings with colleagues to brainstorm ideas while walking – referred to as a walking meeting – and claimed that he did his most creative thinking on these walks.
Let Your Emotions Guide You to New Invention Ideas
When you’re angry about a particular issue, it is common to become enraged about other irrelevant things. Instead of stifling this emotion, use the fire burning within you to fuel the ideation of a new and innovative invention by solving the issue that is upsetting you. Essentially, find the passion to find the solution to ensure this does not happen to you again.
You have the power to change future outcomes; you just need to channel your anger into productive thinking rather than cyclical frustration. Your frustrations with a customer service agent, corporation, or product, for example, could help you think of a brilliant new invention idea.
If you’re in a creative slump, we understand. Everyone experiences this from time to time. Sometimes you just need to rest your mind. Then, use one or all of the tips we have provided after you are re-energized!
If you have a great new invention and you’d like to learn more about this process, get in touch with MAKO today, and we can set you up on a call with our product strategist.
About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!