How to Invent a Product in Your 50’s

There are certain stages of life that lend themselves to certain behaviors and trends. For example, most people aren’t thinking about creating an invention or product in their 50’s. 

It does happen occasionally, like in the case of the toothbrush, which was created by a man nearly 50 years old. In most cases though, it is something done in your 20’s or 30’s. 

This article is to let you know that it’s not weird, you can do it, and the only thing holding you back is you. The fact that you have extensive life experience can help you identify certain opportunities that a younger person might overlook. 

Invent a Product

The easiest way to come up with a product idea is to solve a problem that you currently have or one that you see is common in the world. 

I’m not talking about solving world peace here, but if you take note of daily struggles that you face, you’re already halfway to the prize. When you have a frustration with a product that you use all the time, think about if there might be a better way to do that thing.

Once you have a product idea, or an improvement to an existing product, it’s time to test the market. The best way to do this is by either setting up a focus group with strangers or just doing it virtually through crowdfunding sites like Indiegogo or Kickstarter. 

These mammoth opportunities raised more than a billion dollars last year alone. This illustrates the power that can be potentially harnessed with these sites. If you go down this road, don’t skimp. 

Promote the Invention

Produce the highest quality description and videos that you possibly can. Create a quality, but simple presentation about how your product works and how it will solve the problem you once had. Not only will this force you to think critically about your product, but it will tell you in no uncertain terms whether or not people will buy it. 

Salesmanship is a must, especially with the competition for eyeballs on these types of platforms. Fill out your profile completely, and create buzz about your invention, even if it’s not the newest tech gadget. People want practical as well, not just exciting and colorful.

Build a Prototype

If your product is validated, it’s time for a working prototype. Remember: a prototype doesn’t have to be the final work of art that you’re planning; it simply needs to showcase the appearance and in some cases, functionality of said product. 

You can create this yourself with existing materials or hire an outside consulting company to take care of this for you. If you have the capital on hand, this may be the way to go. 

You’ll get professional critiques and a functioning product that is ready for market. As you are going through this process, keep in mind that the relationships you build right now could be fostered and used for future projects as well.

If you follow these suggestions, you’ll be able to come up with a great idea, solve a problem, validate your idea, and make people’s lives easier, all while making money from it.