Frequently Asked Questions
Is my idea Feasible?
A great product idea can evoke a mix of excitement and apprehension. However, before committing time and resources to development, it’s wise to evaluate the following factors to assess the project’s feasibility:
- Intellectual property
- Does the concept already exist?
- Can you protect your intellectual property?
- Finances
- What is my anticipated budget?
- How will the project be funded?
- How will you make a return on your investment?
- Design and Functionality
- Who is the intended target market?
- What is the anticipated life cycle of the solution?
- Are there any specific technological requirements that the solution must meet?
- What milestones and deadlines will the project be bound by?
- What legal requirements and standards must the solution comply with?
What kind of products have you designed?
Our collective experience has seen solutions produced for the home, pharmaceutical, film and television, tourist, retail, agricultural and highways industries; as well as solutions that support the manufacture of other products. The chances are you may have seen, used or own one of the products that we have been involved with.
Get in touch to see how we can successfully take your project from concept to manufacture.
What is the design process?
We tailor our approach to the uniqueness of your project requirements, aiming to exceed expectations, while utilising a phased methodology. Typically, the project is organised into five distinct stage gates, each defined by key deliverables. Progressing to the next stage is subject to obtaining sign-off from designated stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment throughout the process.
To find out more, please visit our dedicated process page, or please get in touch to discuss your project and request a bespoke preliminary quote for the design process.
What services do you offer?
Stiff by Design is a full service consultancy ready to assist with every step of your journey, or alternatively at certain stages such as product visualisation or preparation for manufacture. Whilst not a comprehensive list, we can offer:
- Research
- Industrial Design
- Graphic Design
- Mechanical Engineering
- Prototyping and Testing
- Design for Manufacture
To find out more, please visit our dedicated services page.
How much will it cost to turn my idea into reality?
The cost for the design process, from first sketch to sign off on manufacture, is influenced by the size and complexity of the design brief and expected outcome. Manufacturing costs also vary depending upon the size, complexity and number of components. Typically, design costs are one of the smaller costs in making an idea a reality, with the marketing campaign being one of the largest investments in launching a new product.
Additional costs to consider:
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Packaging and labelling
- Marketing and branding
- Shipping and logistics
- Ongoing maintenance and support
Please get in touch to discuss your project and request a bespoke preliminary quote for the design process.
How do I get my product manufactured?
We can work very closely with our clients and our/their trusted manufacturing partners to ensure the optimum manufacturing solution has been considered for the demands of the project.
For more information, see our dedicated design to manufacture page.
How do I protect my idea?
When discussing your project, prior to having protected intellectual property (IP), it is vital that a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is signed, as release of valuable information into the public domain could allow others to produce and market your solution before yourself, and prevent any IP applications from being granted.
Whilst there are a number of different types of protection available for your IP, it is vital to ensure that your concept doesn’t already exist. Our trusted and experienced IP contacts can help advise upon this matter, and assist in gaining the right protection for your IP if your concept is truly unique.
Please get in touch to request an NDA to discuss your project requirements securely.
What funding is available?
Whether an individual, or an established business, funding and tax relief may be available. Presently, the Government, and associated bodies, are keen to invest in UK innovation providing various opportunities to consider, as well as tax relief schemes for start-ups. Alternatively, other options such as crowdfunding and angel investors are available.
Angel Investor and Venture Capitalists – Angel investors are individuals who wish to invest their own money in exchange for equity in your project. Platforms such Angel Investment Network and Angels Den can assist in connecting you with potential investors. Venture capitalists work in the same principle as angel investors, with the only significant difference being that the investment is conducted by a firm and not an individual.
Crowdfunding – Online platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo commonly offer the ability to crowdfund either in return for early access to your product at a reduced pre-launch price, or for investors to donate a value of their choosing to the project campaign without anything in return. The most successfully crowdfunded campaigns are often marketed through multiple avenues such as social media engagement, to secure significant interest and backing prior to launch.
Financial Partner – Platforms such as CoFoundersLab offer a matching service to find business partners for your venture. Alternatively, networking events are a great way to find more local financial partners, as well as sell your product to the community.
Government Schemes – Schemes and grants such as R&D Tax Relief and Innovate UK Smart Grants are designed to help support small businesses. Some additional schemes are area dependent, so it’s worth visiting the Business Finance and Support government website.
Some useful resources:
- Government Websites:
- Other Useful Sites:
Blog post coming soon!
My question is not listed here
We are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Please feel free to get in touch.