Step 1: Research and modelInventors start with representations before they make something.<ul><li>Research to find available materials and possible technologies to use.</li><li>Draw the idea with a pencil on paper.</li><li>Make a model using cardboard, tape and hot glue.</li><li>Create a 2-D and 3 D digital model.</li></ul> Step 2: ExperimentTest your prototype, improve it, then test again until there is no room for improvement. Use milling machines or 3-D printers. Step 3: FinalizeThe final prototype should be presentable to potential investors and customers. Hire expert help with your final creation if it's needed.

Prototyping

Ideally, you will have a community of true believers who support your product. They should get your prototypes first as they will give valuable feedback and promote the product. <ul><li>A broader reach is possible by spreading information at conferences, meetups, and hackathons and write about it in forums and blogs.</li><li>The media is also a valuable source to reach new audiences.</li><li>Grab every opportunity for an interview.</li><li>Use feedback and market research to determine demand and set the pace for scaling up.</li></ul>

Product to market

Most inventions that die do so because they lack funding. Funding options include: <ul><li>Crowdfunding.</li><li>Competitions. In 2007, NASA used a competition to design the next generation of astronaut gloves.</li><li>Self-funding.</li><li>Investors. The best way to pitch your idea is with a personal connection or introduction. However, many VCs and angels publicly post their emails or are active on Twitter.</li><li>Outsourcing. License or sell your intellectual property as it can help others to apply your idea to their own needs.</li></ul>

Funding

Inventions start with a good idea. And a good idea comes from inspiration. Advice from successful entrepreneurs and invention experts:<ul><li>Limor Fried, Founder and Lead Engineer at Adafruit, states that he gets inspiration from a Show and Tell they do every Wednesday in a live Google+ hangout.</li><li>Eric Hintz from The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation says history shows that inventors often find the world irritating and want to fix it.</li></ul>

Ideas on ideation

These days, practically anyone can be an inventor. You don't have to be an expert in a field to contribute. You can become an inventor simply by having an idea and refining it.

Anyone can be an inventor

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