How to Start Inventing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Note: I am often asked several questions around Inventing, brainstorming different ideas and how to get started. With that in mind, I wanted to share an article with the aspiring inventors to tackle such questions.

Are you interested in inventing but not sure where to start? Inventing can be a challenging and rewarding process that requires creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps of how to start inventing, from identifying a problem to seeking funding and partnerships.

Step 1: Identify a Problem or Need

The first step in inventing is to identify a problem or need. Just think, what is the most annoying thing in your life? Is it your neighbor’s barking dog, the long lines at the DMV, or maybe just the fact that you always have to use two hands to eat a taco? Whatever it is, it’s time to channel that frustration into creativity and invent something to make your life easier (and more hilarious).

In other words, always try to look around you and think about areas of your life or the lives of others where there is room for improvement. The key is to focus on a specific problem or need and be as specific as possible.

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step to becoming an inventor!

Step 2: Research Existing Solutions

Before you start inventing, research existing solutions to the problem you have identified. This will help you to better understand what is already out there and to identify gaps or areas for improvement. Look online, in stores, and in other sources to see what products or services already exist. Speak with experts or professionals in the field to get their insights and perspective.

Once you have explored what’s out there, don’t forget to read the reviews — they’re a goldmine of unintentional humor. Maybe you’ll find a product that promises to solve the same problem, but the reviews say things like “this thing is more useless than a chocolate teapot” or “I had better luck solving the problem by banging my head against a wall.” Now you know what not to do.

Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas

It’s time to let your creativity run wild. Come up with as many ideas as possible, no matter how ridiculous they may seem at first. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. After all, there’s no such thing as a bad idea, just ideas that are ahead of their time (or ideas that are just plain silly).

Maybe you’ll invent a device that turns your cat into a DJ or a toaster that prints memes onto your toast. Who knows? The sky’s the limit (except when it comes to physics and aerodynamics). Write down all of your ideas, no matter how far-fetched they may seem at first. The key is to get as many ideas as possible and then evaluate them later.

I personally end up writing my ideas in my device close to me, be it a single statement or a tiny paragraph for me to circle back to it at a later point when it’s the right time to articulate.

Step 4: Create a Prototype

Once you have an idea for your invention, create a prototype or a proof of concept. This is where things get real — Time to take your best idea and turn it into a prototype. And by prototype, I mean a janky, duct-taped-together mess that looks like it was assembled by a toddler. But hey, it works, sort of. Just don’t forget to label all the buttons with sharpie and write “DO NOT TOUCH” in all caps. Safety first.

This can be a basic version of your invention that demonstrates how it works. A prototype can help you to test and refine your idea before investing significant time and resources.

Step 5: Test and Refine

Now it’s time to put your invention to the test. Get feedback from your friends, family, and that weird guy at the coffee shop who always talks to you. Use this feedback to refine your invention and make improvements. And don’t be afraid to make changes based on that feedback. Unless the feedback is “this thing is worse than a root canal,” in which case, just ignore it.

In short, be open to constructive criticism and be willing to make changes to your invention based on the feedback you receive.

Step 6: File for Patents

You’ve done it! You’ve created something that’s truly one of a kind (or at least, kind of weird).

If your invention is unique and innovative, consider filing for a patent to protect your intellectual property. A patent can help by preventing others from copying your invention and giving you the exclusive right to make, use, and sell your invention.

Just make sure you don’t accidentally patent something that already exists, like a pencil sharpener or a rock painting. Because that would be awkward.

It can be quite an expensive venture to patent on your own. Hence, it would be beneficial if you are a part of large scale organization that promotes state of the art inventions and innovation. I personally indulged myself in some organizations which were pro-patenting and hence, it became easier for me to file patents.

Step 7: Seek Funding and Partnerships

If you need financial or other support to bring your invention to market, consider seeking funding or partnerships from investors, businesses, or other organizations. There are many resources available to help inventors bring their ideas to market, including crowdfunding platforms, venture capital firms, and incubators.

Just make sure you don’t accidentally pitch your idea to the Shark Tank guys while wearing a shark costume. Unless you want to be a viral meme, then go for it.

Inventing can be a long and challenging process, but with persistence and determination, you can bring your ideas to life and make a real difference in the world. By following the steps outlined above, you can get started on the path to inventing and bring your unique ideas to fruition.