Off To Market™

Scot thinks the subject of engineering is a tad on the dry side, however, as you’ll find out there’s quite a lot of interesting points you’ll need to consider.

Scot explains CAD and why he prefers to hand draw concepts before utilising CAD.

Hamish and Scot discuss how the ‘feel’ of a product is considered before manufacturing and is incorporated into the design phase. The physics and dynamics of how a product feels when it’s picked up or used are crucial for product positioning and price expectations. Who knew binocular grease could make a product more exclusive?

Designing the product to be sold. We talk about why some parts of design exist to improve the look of a product which does nothing to enhance functionality.

Scot talks about the role of 3D printing in design and manufacturing, and why people assume it’s the future.

We discuss the concept that you are always selling what you’re doing with each step of your journey to take your idea off to market. You first sell the idea to yourself, then you sell to people like us who will help bring your concept to life, then you sell to investors or financiers, and then finally you sell your product to customers. We both cover some interesting points on what you can be doing at every phase in the project.

Hamish talks to Scot about how to develop and choose product names. We also discuss brand strategy and the role that visual and verbal branding plays in successfully taking a product to market.

We’re now at the design stage of product development.

Now we know there’s a market need, our job is to satisfy that need.

Hamish and Scot discuss the creative process and why we often have ideas at 2 am.

Scot talks about taking a design to the relevant industry body under a non-disclosure agreement to get appropriate feedback for a project to ensure its viability.

Hamish talks about the need for objectivity during the entire development process. The best feedback will always be from people who are knowledgeable and impartial. Too much praise can be detrimental.

Scot explains the difference between an idea and an invention.

Shameless Promotion:

Scot explains how Hamish helped him with his own product ‘Klik Sinkers’ to reposition the product for more sales and justify a slightly higher price.

Scot talks about working with clients to determine if they want to move forward and embark on the fun and adventure of developing a new product. He talks about his approach to research and how to define what the market needs are and how to mitigate the inventor's risk.

Hamish talks about the background work involved in developing brands and names for new products. Find out why a pragmatic and cynical approach is best to ensure success.

Show me the money! We discuss marketing as a tool to create need and position a product to assist in consumer purchasing and pitching to multinational investors.

The theme of this episode is 'Getting Yourself Organised'. Scot talks about product and patent planning, and Hamish takes a philosophical view of what is needed on your journey to commercialising your idea.

Scot discusses one of the most critical points in the commercialisation process which is helping clients to establish a budget and looking at the different costs involved.

Learn how to avoid getting on a ‘cash rollercoaster’.

You’ll find out about the three approaches to commercialisation; licensing, distribution or retail sales. Which one is best for you?

Learn about patent strategy, is your idea worth protecting immediately or do you need to do more work on your concept before you spend thousands on patent applications.

Hamish talks about the need to establish a support base for yourself and to make sure you schedule in enough downtime away from your project to enhance your creativity. Hamish explains why time away from your project will ultimately benefit your business.

Listen to find out more.

Hamish and Scot talk about the journey of commercialising an idea from concept to shelf. We cover the costs involved and the process of validating an idea. Scot explains the role he plays as an industrial designer and Hamish outlines his approach in the early stages of commercialisation.

Product development is certainly not for the faint-hearted, however, Scot and Hamish reassure listeners that with the right approach and the right advice, commercialising an idea can be one of the most rewarding things you can do.

Both Scot and Hamish explain why they’re brutally honest with people from the outset and their willingness to say whether an idea may or may not work. Is it better for you to spend your money on a holiday?

Listen to find out more.