Are you excited to convert your new idea into a product?
One of the first things entrepreneurs ask is how long it takes to develop a product. The duration of developing a product may depend on your resources. Your budget is a large factor that can have a direct impact on the process.
If you are wondering what the manufacturing process looks like, you are in the right place. This article covers what you need to know about how long it takes to develop a product.
From design briefing to sourcing, here is a guide to developing a product.
Design Briefing
Design briefing can take a few days to a week. The briefing relies on the discussion between a client and the manufacturer. The manufacturer will often produce a document with a cost estimate or quote.
Technical or Design Research
How long you spend on this part of the process may depend on your experience and knowledge. Research or product validation helps you create a product that customers will enjoy. It can be as simple as sharing your idea with family and friends.
You can also start a crowdfunding campaign or an online survey to gauge the interest in your product. Doing this can help you get substantial feedback from an unbiased audience.
Conceptualization
Before you develop a product prototype, you need a concept. Your prototype doesn't need to be perfect. However, this can help you avoid complications with your product assembling team.
If you don't have a concrete idea of what you want in your product, this can slow down your process later on. This includes elements like materials and functionality.
A detailed sketch can help you conceptualize everything about your product. Add labels and descriptions to help you and the developers. This can take between three to four weeks to complete.
Prototyping and Testing
The duration of prototyping and testing a product can be unpredictable. Some prototypes require more versions and trial runs, depending on your industry. You could make a handful of prototypes before finalizing your design.
You may need to experiment with variations of your product to find which elements work best. Many product manufacturers use 3D modeling apps to understand a product. Many use this to their advantage and use 3D printing to produce samples faster.
Prototyping and testing various versions of your product can be an arduous process. However, it is best to take your time to get the best results.
Sourcing
When you've finalized your design, it is time to gather the materials you need. This may also be the time to start looking for partners to market your product. This phase covers manufacturing-related services, but it may also include shipping and warehousing.
We recommend looking for potential manufacturers ahead of time for your product launch. You can compare costs and get a backup if your main option doesn't work out for your products.
What You Need to Develop a Product
Now you know what it takes to develop a product. If you are on a tight budget, consider these things. Even if you only have a rough estimate, it will serve as a good foundation of the production process.
Have you started manufacturing your product? Are you looking to penetrate your market with your new product? Check out our other blog posts for some great product launch and marketing guides to power up production!
