Do you use protection?

Let me start by making two statements:

1. Product development is risky.
2. Product development is expensive.

With those statements in mind, ask yourself what safeguards you have (or will) put in place in order to ensure that your new product development remains YOURS, and doesn’t fall into someone else’s hands? What strategies do you have to protect your new product, and give you more control over how it is developed, manufactured, launched and sold – and by whom?

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Design = Change for the Better – Part 3 of 3

In this final “episode” of using Design to achieve Innovation, we look at how we can fast-track innovation through outsourcing – the networks and professional services that are available to you get your idea moving towards an innovative reality.

If you missed the previous articles, find them here: Part 1 and Part 2

Idea # 3: Get some outside help (a.k.a. Outsource)

We can all have the blinkers on at times. Whether you have implemented Idea 1 or Idea 2 in this series or not, we can still get caught up in the boundaries, limitations and problems of our little worlds.

Whilst many of us are driven to do as much of the hard work ourselves and never contemplate paying someone else to do something we think we can do equally well, engaging some external help can often lift the lid on new opportunities, information and directions. A fresh pair of eyes, if you will!

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Can you keep a secret?

Confidentiality is the life-blood of any new product development program. Maintaining secrecy for the duration of your project is pivotal to being able to apply for intellectual property (IP) protection, and to exploit any market advantage you may have upon launching your new design.

No doubt, you will need to discuss your project with various people and organisations – be they consultants, manufacturers, technical experts, marketing agencies and the like. Before discussing any aspect of your project with external parties, it is vital that you have them sign a formal Non-Disclosure or Confidentiality Agreement (aka “NDA”). In doing so, you can safeguard your ideas, technology, systems and market insight, as well as establishing a professional and legal expectation that all matters relating to the project remain secret.

Any reputable organisation wishing to discuss your project will generally have no problem signing a Confidentiality Agreement. Some NDA’s can be many pages long, others simply one page. Try to find one that suits your needs. Check out IP Australia’s Confidentiality Agreement Generator here for further tips and templates.

If there are objections to your NDA, there may be logical reasoning – so try to determine what concerns exist, and attempt to resolve either via amending the terms of the agreement or seeking some independent legal advice before proceeding with any discussions at all.

As a design consultant, I would not be able to earn a living without confidentiality. It is a daily reality for me, so please don’t feel awkward when asking me to sign your NDA – you’d be amazed how many people feel they will offend by asking to sign up to an NDA.

Don’t be lazy when it comes to Confidentiality. Be sure to sign up any and all prospective partners to your project before commencing any dialogue.