Introduction to Inventing: Empowering Professionals to Innovate
By Matthew Pearson, PhD | April 11, 2024
Throughout my career there have been times when I’ve received a request to solve a problem outside my job description. As an innovator I’ve always enjoyed an opportunity to invent new processes to improve outcomes and streamline efforts. Sometimes such requests are for the creation of something entirely new, a custom invention for a singular purpose. It has been my experience that other professionals who didn’t attend an engineering program also want to have some ownership in the invention process. In fact, many organizations are finally beginning to understand that their employees are an untapped resource for innovation.
Invention is the cornerstone of progress, driving breakthroughs in technology, industry, and society. For professionals seeking to make their mark through innovation, embarking on an invention journey can be both exhilarating and challenging. This introduction aims to demystify the process of inventing, providing professionals with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to bring their ideas to life.
Understanding Invention
At its core, invention is about identifying needs, solving problems, and creating novel solutions. Whether you're an engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, or creative thinker, the principles of invention apply across disciplines. It's about harnessing curiosity, creativity, and perseverance to transform ideas into tangible realities that make a positive impact.
The Invention Process
The invention process typically follows a series of steps, from idea generation to prototype development to commercialization. Each step requires careful planning, execution, and iteration to ensure success. Professionals embarking on an invention project should be prepared to navigate challenges, embrace failures as learning opportunities, and stay resilient in the face of setbacks.
Tools for Invention
Fortunately, in today's digital age, tools and resources are abundant and available to empower professionals in their invention endeavors. Many of these tools are accessible for free or at low cost, making them invaluable assets for aspiring inventors. Here are some key tools that professionals can leverage to begin their invention projects:
1. Idea Generation Platforms: Platforms like IdeaScale and Spigit facilitate crowdsourced idea generation and collaboration, allowing professionals to tap into collective intelligence for innovative solutions.
2. Prototyping Software: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software such as Tinkercad, Fusion 360, and SketchUp enables professionals to design and visualize prototypes digitally before moving to physical fabrication.
Tinkercad is an especially great free tool for just finding a starting point because it has a fun user interface and simple controls. The designs made in the program can be stored in your online account or downloaded to your computer. These designs can then be imported to a 3-D printing program like Cura or a 3-D rendering environment like blender.
3. 3D Printing Services: Online services like Shapeways and Sculpteo offer affordable 3D printing options, allowing professionals to turn their digital designs into physical prototypes with ease.
4. Maker Spaces and Fab Labs: Many communities have maker spaces or fabrication laboratories equipped with tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, providing professionals with access to advanced prototyping capabilities.
5. Patent Databases: Platforms like Google Patents and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website offer free access to patent databases, allowing professionals to conduct patent searches and assess the novelty of their inventions.
Using Google or USPTO can be a great place to start too. Understanding how others have approached similar problems can provide clarity for the problem you are really attempting to solve, as well as verifying that a suitable solution doesn't already exist.
6. Open-Source Hardware and Software: Open-source platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi provide professionals with affordable hardware and software solutions for prototyping and experimentation.
While these solutions do require some knowledge of coding the good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch or be scary. School children and engineers play with such components every March 14th (Pi Day). In fact LittleBits are a great resource for anyone wanting to learn the basics of open-source hardware and software. There are on-line communities and resources to help get started. Often much of the coding already completed for other projects can be modified for your idea.
7. Online Learning Platforms: Websites such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer courses on topics ranging from design thinking to prototyping techniques, providing professionals with valuable skills and knowledge.
8. Entrepreneurship Resources: Organizations like SCORE and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free mentoring, workshops, and resources to help professionals navigate the entrepreneurial aspects of bringing an invention to market.
9. Collaboration Tools: Collaboration platforms like Slack, Trello, and Asana facilitate communication and project management among team members, streamlining the invention process.
10. Funding Platforms: Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo provide professionals with opportunities to raise capital for their invention projects while gauging market interest.
Invention is not reserved for a select few; it is a journey that anyone with passion, determination, and creativity can embark on. By understanding the principles of invention, leveraging available tools and resources, and embracing the iterative nature of the process, professionals can turn their ideas into reality and make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities. So, whether you're a seasoned innovator or just starting, remember that the next great invention could be yours. Let curiosity be your guide, and let invention be your legacy.
For help implementing an internal invention department at your organization or facilitating an innovation workshop contact us [email protected] today.