Development Process

There are many factors which can effect the viability of your new product idea. These include; real-world market opportunity, existing products, technical feasibility, risk v’s reward, timescale of development, existence of suitable technologies and availability of funds. We have in-depth experience of gauging the feasibility of new product ideas and can guide the process from assessment of market, technological feasibility, costing and routes to final delivery. Our central focus is to undertake projects which are viable and lead to real world solutions being launched to market.

Yes, we employ a highly transparent, collaborative approach and encourage you to be fully involved in the Design and Development process. Often you hold the key information and learning, which we need to fully understand to develop the best products. We keep our clients regularly updated with progress, challenges and costs by screen-sharing and in-person meetings. We want our clients to feel fully included and happy with the results of any development process.

No, we deal with both new start up’s and established manufacturing businesses. We can provide full-service design and development and complimentary assistance where required. Previous product development experience is not a prerequisite to engage with us in the development of your product ideas.

No, we can work from verbal or written descriptions, or more detailed drawings of a design concept. We always propose a kick-off telephone call, screen share or in person meeting so we can gather as much information as possible about a product proposal, background to the idea, and long term goals. We also offer full ground-up development services and can formulate inventive concept solutions to an existing design problem, which has been identified.

Yes, we follow a standard practice of issuing legally binding Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s) to protect both parties and their intellectual property. This ensures that technical and proprietary information can be shared securely. Additionally, we only collaborate with trusted partners, all of whom are covered by comprehensive NDA’s. We are also happy to review and sign existing NDA’s, should they be required by established companies.

There are several sources of research and development (R&D) funding, depending on industry, location, and project stage. Government grants and incentives, such as innovation grants (Innovate UK, Horizon Europe) and R&D tax credits, help reduce costs and encourage innovation.

National science and research councils also provide funding for academic and industrial projects. Private investment options include venture capital, angel investors, and corporate partnerships, which can offer both funding and strategic support. Universities and research institutions often provide grants for joint industry research, while incubators and accelerators offer funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Alternative financing methods, such as crowdfunding through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, can help early-stage projects gain traction.

We can offer support and assistance in sourcing Research and Development funding to help develop your product.

Project timelines depend on the technical complexity of the product. Simple designs may take weeks, while complex electro-mechanical systems can require months or even years. We assess technical feasibility, estimate costs and timelines, and identify risks early. Generally, the more unique or intricate a product, the longer it takes to design, prototype, validate, and transition to manufacturing. Solving complex electro-mechanical challenges is an iterative process, often requiring multiple prototypes to ensure reliability in real-world conditions.

Other factors affecting timelines include; market certifications, component availability, manufacturing schedules, and ongoing funding availability.

This is highly project specific and dependent on the type of client we are dealing with, from first time start-up to established businesses. We can provide part, or full-service development, specifically tailored to individual requirements. Common resources required to develop a product include; concept and CAD design, detailed engineering, electronic and PCB development, IP evaluation and consultation, mechanical prototyping and manufacturing specification and liaison. We can advise on resource requirement including offering technical expertise and resource planning, help build the right team of suppliers and offer advice on funding and product delivery.

Almost, always, yes. Prototyping takes many forms, from a simple paper sketch or foam models, to a fully functioning electromechanical design. It is one of the most valuable tools for evaluating and refining a concept. We recommend various prototyping techniques throughout the development process and collaborate with specialist prototype supplier in the UK and the Far East to achieve the best blend of accuracy, cost, and timescale.

You do. We can help develop solutions which incorporate unique features, applicable to intellectual property registration. You, as the paying client, own the intellectual property of any feature or mechanism which we develop. Where ‘inventor citation’ is required for the Patent Office, we sign an IP transfer document which means that you own, outright, any IP which is integrated into your product. This allows you to exploit, maintain or transfer any IP without recourse to consultation with us. This includes Patents, Design Registrations, Trade Secrets and Trademarks.

The ownership of patents not only gives market Kudos, and confidence to potential investors, but can also open opportunity for governnment backed schemes like The Patent Box. This scheme can provide tax breaks for companies investing in R&D. We can advise on whether your products are applicbale to this scheme, and also help develop unique IP which can open routes to additional financial benefits.

We have strong partnerships with prototyping and manufacturing specialists who handle both development prototyping and final production. We can manage the entire manufacturing process for you or provide supplier contacts for self-management. For established companies, we are also happy to collaborate with existing suppliers or in-house manufacturing teams.

Risks in new product development (NPD) often stem from complexity—the more intricate a product, the greater the risk. Below are key risks that must be actively managed:

Funding Availability – Successful product launches go beyond development. Costs extend to tooling, manufacturing, certifications, marketing, packaging, distribution, and ongoing support. We offer full-service product development, including cost assessments and funding guidance, from innovation grants to tax incentives.

Technology Availability & Development – Most products require problem-solving to ensure functionality and manufacturability. The more complex or unique a product, the higher the risk, especially when integrating intricate components and mechanisms. The most effective approach is often the simplest solution which fulfils the products functional requirement cost effectively.

Insufficient Development & Manufacturing Timelines – Realistic timelines are essential for robust design, evaluation, and testing before transitioning to manufacturing. Production timelines must also account for tooling, assembly, certification, and distribution.

By addressing these risks early, we help ensure a smoother and more successful NPD process.

Emergence of competitive products, or changes to market conditions – In competitive markets, there is always a risk that new solutions may emerge to address similar problems. Timing is often critical to success. Our approach involves assessing market conditions and existing intellectual property while advising on IP protection strategies. This ensures that the product being developed is both valid and capable of solving real-world problems effectively. We partner with specialist IP advisors who can provide services ranging from IP searches, to full patent, design protection and trademark registration.

We are not specialists in the promotion or marketing of products. We can however offer support with packaging, instructions, photo-quality renders, animations and other related marketing materials to assist in funding pitches and promotional material development. We can also source high-quality presentation models which can be useful for marketing photography, stakeholder buy-in, trade show demonstrations and crowdfunding campaigns.