Tip #1 – Keep it Simple
Blog by: Edward Ayres – President of IP, Inc.
Simplicity is the key to invention success! We’re all familiar with the KISS principle, and for independent inventors it pertains to the design of their product, to the field of the invention, and even its market potential.
When it comes to the design keep it as simple as possible. A primary goal should be to ensure your invention can be cost-effectively mass produced using existing production technology. Strip away any unnecessary complexity and focus on simplicity.
Unless you’re a scientist, engineer or programmer you most likely want to avoid complex technology inventions or anything that sounds a bit like “rocket science.” Keep your idea simple and avoid inventions that will require years of time and millions of dollars in research to develop. The simpler an idea is, the easier it is to produce and introduce to the market.
Yes, the simplest inventions can be some of the most profitable! The Topsy Tail is a simple plastic loop that allowed anyone to create a perfect pony tail, and in the early 90’s it generated over $100 million in sales. It doesn’t get much simpler than a Topsy Tail. What would life be like without Post-It Notes, Velcro, Ziploc bags, and so many other popular yet simple inventions?
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” – Albert Einstein
We hope you enjoyed Tip #1 from our new series “25 Tips on Inventing.” Check back next week for Tip #2.
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