How to Turn Your Concept Into a Prototype?

Synced0 asks: "Like a lot of people who post/read on this site, I am a software developer. I have experience developing handheld applications and am quite knowledgeable about the hardware that are in various handheld devices , these days. I have been toying around with the idea of building a device that is based on a handheld platform. I have the basics for what I need such as what OS, and platform I will base it on (motherboard, CPU, storage, display panel, etc). The biggest question in my head is where do I go for the actual design of casing, and who I can get to do the final hardware design. I have never designed hardware before, but now that I have my platform and such, where do I go from here? I have some ideas on what the device should look like, but I have no skills of molding plastics. I have all the pieces working on the desk but am clueless how I progress from this stage.Is it very expensive for someone to take concept into a prototype?"

Comments

Four Easy steps

[Freaky Spook]

1. Patent the idea then forget about it.

2. Wait for some unsuspecting party to develop prototype.

3. ???

4. Profit.

You have to network, network and make deals

[Iloinen Lohikrme]

It might sound very simple advice, but networking (ie. finding people with skills or resources you don't have) and making deals (get them to work for you) are the steps you have to take to get your project anywhere.

Before you jump out and start hyping your project, making connections and start signing people, you have to make your own homework. You have to put your idea of a device and it's usage into an simple and clear message that is convincing, after that make atleast some calculations about the cost of device, markets ie. to get some picture if there is any financial reason to do the project. At this stage you should put the idea forward to your friends who might have something to contribute and to give feedback about the general idea, and have someone of them jump into the project. If you are any lucky, you and your friends can do all the work to make it from concept to proto.

In some time after you have got some ground into your project, you should definately incorporate. Having an corporation shows that you are serious and it makes it more easier to sign "outsiders", ie. not your friends, to the project: rewarding outside work with equity. In example I know one small sports device maker who got few talented people from Nokia to design their devices outlook and casing by promising equity in return of design work. Also having an corporation secures your project by putting all the work of individuals to property of the company, and usually individuals are more willing to sign NDA between the company than straight with you.

Of course, if your project is just for hobby or fun, then my advice is not so usable. But if you are atleast little bit serious, I would definately suggest that you read some books about starting an firm, some books about innovations and basic marketing info.