The world needs new ideas, concepts, products, there is constant change driven by new technologies and processes, and development needs.

* A systematic approach, the development stages of the total process

* Development stages, define markets, make samples, what the customer needs, the approach to market

* Assessment review, is this a good idea, a new and novel way, a different approach, is there a real customer need, is this a first.

* Market research means taking a good hard look at the market, who is there, what are the alternatives and substitutes,  why is it so different, who will it appeal to, what are the economics?

* Development costs money, this means budgets and the search for funding,  cost depends upon complexity of product, research and prototypes.

* The critical question, what do you want out of it, what can you do and where do you need help.

* Profile your product, the application, the market, you will need a 30 second grab to capture the attention of investors, manufacturers, suppliers, supporters and potential customers

* Use a feasibility analysis to define the product.

* Define the potential market in terms of numbers of users, how often are units purchased, the market entry point.

* Define the ways and means of reaching the customer.

* Define the product in terms of design, components and indicative costs,

Keep the development in action

* The development process has to be driven, keep moving ahead

* Get a development company to build the prototype, undertake the testing and then evaluate the manufacturing options, maintain control.

* There is excess manufacturing capacity in the world, why set up when somebody can do it for you and take all the headaches, use partnerships 

* Keep monitoring target markets, gather information, volume information is needed by tool makers and production.

* Is there a reluctance to change,  major customers will need good reason for change and then demand financial incentives. Cost and distribution are critical.
  
* Competitors respond severely to any threats, they have resources to price cut, discount, revise their design or develop a new package, monitor for their activity.

* Use confidentiality agreements to protect your IP, get proposals and confirm what you want in writing, issue company orders to cover expenditure.

* Use potential customers to confirm your progress, these are the people that will make the future decisions.

Use the new resources

* Engineering is moving ahead at a rapid pace, driven by new software and advanced manufacturing equipment, new and innovative programmes are designed to reduce cost and get products quicker to market.  

* Use companies that embrace technology for samples, prototypes, pilot production, speed and cost are critical items .

* Use simple planning development tools to monitor progress, spreadsheets are easy to use and effective.

* Market entry delays to get a perfect design are costly, freeze the design soon and start the process

* Move about, visit trade shows, search the net, read trade publications and industry press, watch for the trade association

Testing, product compliance, durability, destructive

* Where is the proof of durability and compliance, testing results establishes credibility and customer acceptance 

* Are there any Australian or International  Standards covering the product and its application?

* Are there other standards that enhance the product, in house testing or  consumer testing

* Testing is the essential component in marketing, use endorsement by industry personalities.

* Companies such as Ikea make major statements about their testing regime, even if people do not understand the implications

* If you are sceptical about testing read the voluntary recall notices in the press and work out the costs of being wrong!  

Commercialisation

* Development costs need budgets and accounts, these may be for tax relief or setting the asset value for future takeover.

* Constantly check and verify costs of materials, understand what and how you are buying, how it is priced, by the metre, kilo, unit, box.

* Understand the realities of your overall cost, why push for material price reductions when material is only 5% of your cost.  

* Check options for tooling cost, is this optimum size or unit price is reduced by higher tooling investment

* Understand the total costs of getting products on to the shelf, the hidden costs of advertising support, under the table discounts.