How can you stay organized during the invention process?

1 Define your goal

Before you dive into the research phase, you need to have a clear and specific goal for your invention. What problem are you trying to solve? Who are your target users? What are the desired features and benefits of your solution? Having a well-defined goal will help you focus your research, filter out irrelevant information, and measure your progress. You can write down your goal in a simple statement or use a tool like the Lean Canvas to map out your value proposition.

2 Plan your research

Research is a vital part of the invention process, as it helps you understand the context, the needs, and the existing solutions for your problem. However, research can also be time-consuming and overwhelming if you don't have a plan. To plan your research, you need to identify your research questions, sources, methods, and tools. You also need to set a timeline and a budget for your research activities. Planning your research will help you avoid getting lost in the data, wasting money, and missing deadlines.

3 Organize your data

As you conduct your research, you will collect a lot of data from different sources, such as books, articles, interviews, surveys, experiments, and observations. To organize your data, you need to have a system to store, label, categorize, and analyze your data. You can use tools like spreadsheets, databases, mind maps, or software like Evernote, Zotero, or Mendeley to organize your data. Organizing your data will help you find what you need, avoid duplication, and draw insights.

4 Generate your ideas

After you have gathered and organized your data, you can start generating ideas for your invention. This is the stage where you can unleash your creativity and brainstorm as many possible solutions as you can. To generate your ideas, you need to have a space, a time, and a method. You can use tools like sticky notes, sketchbooks, or software like Ideaflip, Mindmeister, or Lucidchart to generate your ideas. Generating your ideas will help you explore different options, test assumptions, and refine your concept.

5 Evaluate your ideas

Once you have generated a lot of ideas, you need to evaluate them and select the best one for your invention. This is the stage where you can apply criteria, feedback, and testing to your ideas. To evaluate your ideas, you need to have a process, a team, and a tool. You can use tools like matrices, scoring cards, or software like Decision Matrix, CriteriaCorp, or SurveyMonkey to evaluate your ideas. Evaluating your ideas will help you compare alternatives, validate assumptions, and improve your design.

6 Document your process

Throughout the invention process, you need to document your process and your outcomes. This is the stage where you can record your steps, your results, and your learnings. To document your process, you need to have a format, a medium, and a tool. You can use tools like journals, portfolios, or software like Google Docs, WordPress, or Medium to document your process. Documenting your process will help you track your progress, share your work, and learn from your experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?