How do you validate a new engineering idea?

Is it really a problem? Or has someone already had an answer? How many people are having the problem? These questions may be included in step 2 or step 1. But never forget them.

Simulation at this stage is also valuable. Electronic simulation is often cheap compared to building real-world prototypes. 3-D printing or cardboard and duct tape models can help you visualize the new product or tool. The goal here is to fail fast. That way, you can iterate and improve to better serve the customer.

Design an MVP and build a prototype - design a simple and functional version of your idea. Keep it basic, avoiding unnecessary complexities. Develop the MVP with the identified core features. It can be imperfect; the goal is to create a functional prototype.

For a functional product, focus on minimal features and avoid overengineering. Prioritize solving core problems and providing value to users. If your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is successful and has potential for growth, it may be wise to invest more resources into scaling it up. Conversely, if the MVP does not meet your expectations or user needs, it is crucial to remain open to pivoting or refining your idea based on the lessons learned. Remember that the MVP is not the final product but a learning tool. Its primary purpose is to validate assumptions, gather data, and make informed decisions about the direction of your engineering idea. Keep the feedback loop open, and be ready to adapt and iterate as you move forward.

If you want to validate a new engineering idea, it's crucial to obtain input and approval from potential users. You can achieve this by allowing them to try out the product and share their thoughts. To enhance your product, it's important to gather feedback from potential users regarding its strengths, weaknesses, and problem-solving abilities. You can do this by creating a website or product prototype and observing customers' reactions to it. By doing so, you can determine if your product effectively resolves their issues. Additionally, you can collect data on the number of people using your prototype and the duration of their stay on your website. This data can help you understand if people are interested in what you're offering.

To ensure the success of a project, it is imperative to identify the key performance indicators. Regularly reviewing these indicators can aid in tracking progress and investigating any declines. In order to achieve the desired outcomes, it is essential to define clear objectives and measurable goals.