Tip 2 – You have the Idea! Now What?
By: Edward Ayres

You’ve got an idea, but what should be your first step? The quick answer is, write it down. However, what information should you include? What’s important? Do you need to take a class in legalese to get started? Keep reading and I’ll answer these questions and more about this fairly simple but critical task.

First, formal language and legal terminology aren’t needed at this stage. Your goal is to describe your idea. Be detailed yet concise, and ensure your description is clear and easily understandable. Here’s a great set of criteria to help you get started.

Include:

1. An Overview – This is a simple description of the idea. It should include what your invention is, what it does, how it’s used, the problem it solves and/or its purpose.
2. Features – Include an itemized list of all the important parts and components. Provide details on unique aspects of the idea. It’s important to describe how the parts/components work together to perform the invention’s function.
3. Benefits – What benefits will your invention provide? Does it reduce cooking time, provide fresh water to pets, or assist new parents? Write them down.
4. Variations – Will Velcro™ work instead of a zipper? Think about areas where parts, materials and design can vary, and then list important variations.
5. Target Market – Include who your product would appeal to and why. If you have a new hand tool your target market may be mechanics and do-it-yourselfers.

A few suggestions:

1. Keep your written description safely on your computer, in a journal or other notebook. Do not maintain this potentially valuable info on loose sheets of paper, Post-It™ notes or napkins.
2. Include the date and time of all journal entries.
3. Review this information often and revise it as necessary.
4. Keep everything confidential. Do not reveal your idea to anyone or any company without first signing a Confidentiality Agreement. You may have a valuable idea, treat it as such.

So the next time an idea strikes, write it down!

We hope you enjoyed Tip #2 from our new series “25 Tips on Inventing.” Please consider sharing this information. It might benefit someone you know. Check back next week for Tip #3.

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