What is the process to create electronic prototype

Question

I have an idea for a cool electronic gadget that I would like pursue getting created. I have no experience in manufacturing, patenting or prototyping but I am pretty sure that my gadget idea will be a huge success based on feedback I’ve gotten from friends. My question is what is the process or where do I start if I want to create a prototype of my invention. What do I do first…second etc? Any books out there on this subject? Any information is greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

Do you know everything about your idea, is it possible, is it easy to make, these are the questions you have to ask yourself. If you think it's possible and not something that's incredibly complicated I suggest  you do some research and start making a prototype. If you decide to sell the idea only, then you probably will get ripped off, if you acctually try to make a sample of what your product is, it doesn't have to be excatly like your product just a prototype, you can make way more money by selling it to a big company or find some investors and start up your own COMPANY!!!!

Answer 2

It depends largely on what the electronic components are.  In the old day, one could assemble a rat's nest of resistors, capacitors, and transistors to see if the thing worked, but the advent of complex semiconductors has changed everything.  Does your gadget involve a microprocessor of some kind?  If so, you can probably get a development kit from the manufacturer, which will assist in the prototyping of both the hardware and software.

Answer 3

Sounds like all you have is an IDEA for a gadget. Ideas are hard to sell. You will need to do a lot of learning about electronics, or work with someone who does first. Then look into patenting... then look into manufacturing.