5-step idea development framework

My 5-step framework to developing ideas. I’m kind of going to use Oak’s first bike as an example:

Step 0 - The Idea

So, it starts with an idea, right? I wanted a criterium-specific bike and couldn’t find a brand that made one with all the characteristics I wanted.

Step 1 - Research

First, I confirmed my assumptions and really searched for that bike. Eventually trying to making one become the logical solution. Sometimes someone has developed your idea before, which is when competition comes into the fold. That shouldn’t discourage you, it should make you figure out how you’ll be different!

Step 2 - Sketching

Roughly outlining the idea helps me understand if it really is something I want to commit to. It also helps with the details needed for the next step. In this example, I laid out, with as much detail as possible, the specific things I wanted to incorporate on this bike.

Step 3 - Help

This is a hard step for a lot of people—asking for help. More often than not, you can’t (or at least shouldn’t) do everything by yourself. This is a great time to ask for help. If you’re developing a product, this is where you find who can help you make it [AKA your supplier(s)]. Ideally you find several people that can help /make your idea and choose the one(s) that make more sense!

Step 4 - Test & fine-tune

Test the craaap out of your idea. Make it fail so others can’t. Figure out how others could break, misinterpret and rip-off your idea. Then, fix it. To the best of your ability, make your idea as bulletproof as possible. This is where you’ll understand if it can really work or not.

Step 5 - Share!

You did it! If this is a product, market it, if it’s a personal project/ idea, just share it with your following or your friends and family. Even if you did something that was intended for yourself, a “good job” from someone you love will got a long way. So don’t be shy. I too am here to brainstorm and hear all of your ideas!