What are the main benefits of using an invention process model for your creative projects?

Invention is the skill of generating novel and useful ideas for solving problems, improving products, or creating new opportunities. But how do you go from a vague concept to a concrete prototype, and then to a successful launch? One way is to use an invention process model, a structured framework that guides you through the different stages of inventing. In this article, you will learn what are the main benefits of using an invention process model for your creative projects, and how to choose one that suits your needs and goals.

1 What is an invention process model?

An invention process model is a set of steps or phases that help you plan, develop, test, and refine your invention. It can be linear, cyclical, or iterative, depending on how you approach the problem and the feedback you receive. Some common examples of invention process models are the engineering design process, the scientific method, the IDEO design thinking process, and the TRIZ inventive problem solving method. Each model has its own advantages and limitations, and you can adapt them to your specific context and challenge.

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dominique hoppe

🅰 Chief editor @Creativity and Innovation Network - 🅱 Social Media Manager 🆎 LINKEDIN "Creativity and Innovation" TOP VOICE !
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It does offer structured guidance, promoting efficiency, team alignment, and risk mitigation. It streamlines the creative process, making it more manageable and ensuring a systematic approach. The model facilitates communication, enhances resource allocation, and aligns efforts with overarching project goals. With an iterative nature, it encourages continuous improvement and adaptability to specific project needs. Moreover, the process model supports documentation, aiding future analysis and learning. Overall, it provides a framework for innovation, optimizing creativity and increasing the likelihood of project success.

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2 Why use an invention process model?

Using an invention process model can offer you several benefits for your creative projects, such as clarifying your problem statement and target audience, as well as providing a roadmap and checklist of tasks to follow. This can stimulate creativity, enabling you to explore multiple options and perspectives. It can also enhance collaboration and communication with other inventors, stakeholders, and potential users. Moreover, it allows for validating assumptions, testing prototypes, and learning from failures and successes.

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Ilya Kazi

Founder at IK-IP Ltd
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It can also help with providing a structure to a big project, and integrate thinking about IP opportunities and challenges into the process.

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3 How to choose an invention process model?

When selecting an invention process model, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You should consider the nature and scope of your problem or opportunity, the resources and constraints you have, the goals and expectations you have, and your own preferences and styles. Ask yourself if the problem or opportunity is well-defined or ambiguous, simple or complex, local or global. Think about how much time, money, and expertise you have, as well as any legal, ethical, and environmental implications of your invention. Additionally, consider the criteria and indicators of success and how to measure the impact and value of your invention. Reflect on how you like to work and think, whether you are more analytical or intuitive, and if you are more flexible or structured.

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Ilya Kazi

Founder at IK-IP Ltd
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And as a general principle don’t let the tail wag the dog; if the model you chose seems to be constricting your creative process don’t be afraid to diverge from it - it was meant as a helpful guide not a rigid cage.

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4 How to use an invention process model?

When using an invention process model for your project, it's important to use it effectively and efficiently. Follow the steps or phases of the model, but don't be afraid to go back and forth, skip, or repeat some of them if needed. Utilize various tools and techniques to support each step or phase, such as brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, interviewing, surveying, etc. Make sure to document and record your process, findings, and decisions with notes, diagrams, photos, videos, etc. It is also beneficial to seek feedback and input from others - especially from your target users, customers, or beneficiaries - and review and evaluate your results and outcomes using data, evidence, and criteria.

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5 What are some examples of invention process models?

If you're looking for guidance and inspiration for your creative projects, consider using or adapting one of these invention process models. The engineering design process is linear and consists of six steps, such as defining the problem and improving and redesigning. The scientific method is cyclical, with four steps like forming hypotheses and predictions. The IDEO design thinking process is iterative, with five phases like empathizing and testing. The TRIZ inventive problem solving method is systematic, with four steps including analyzing and modeling the problem.

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6 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?

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Ilya Kazi

Founder at IK-IP Ltd
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Invention is all about creativity and creating uniqueness. Using models and principles others found useful may often get you to your goal more efficiently and save you re-inventing where others have already solved your problem or analogous ones. But raw unstructured out of the box inspiration should not be ruled out of the process.

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What are the main benefits of using an invention process model for your creative projects?

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1 What is an invention process model?

2 Why use an invention process model?

3 How to choose an invention process model?

4 How to use an invention process model?

5 What are some examples of invention process models?

6 Here’s what else to consider

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