Service · Concept & MVP Development

Turn your idea into something you can show users, test and raise investment on.

The meat of product development lies here. I take your idea from a sketch or description to an evaluated, buildable concept and a working MVP: a concept that proves the core function and is good enough to put in front of users, investors or a crowdfunding audience. I apply the same professional, rigorous and structured development process that resulted in award-winning products being created.

First, the honest bit

What an MVP means for a physical product

Every product needs something different. For some, all they need is a proof of concept; others need a fully functional, looks-like/works-like prototype. Either way, we iterate up through the fidelity of prototypes until you have what you need to make the next decision. The whole process is designed to reduce uncertainty by investing slowly until risks are reduced and projects are proven.

What your MVP might look like:

01 Proof of principle · does the core idea or technology work? 02 Looks-like · form and feel, for ergonomics and UX 03 Works-like · functions as a tooled prototype should 04 Investor / crowd-ready · a golden hand-prototyped (or soft-tooled) sample
What you get

Deliverables include

  • ✓ Concept exploration workshops
  • ✓ Technical specification and PRD
  • ✓ Design verification plan
  • ✓ Design reports and test reports
  • ✓ Iterative prototypes (with relevant documentation)
  • ✓ Final prototype (with full CAD files and relevant documentation)
  • ✓ Designer's report for investors
  • ✓ A plan to production
How it works

An industry gold-standard design process

Many of my clients are developing products for the first time. Following a structured design process not only helps with clarity and transparency, it helps keep momentum, reduces risk and provides comprehensive documentation for investor confidence.

1

Evaluation and concept development

Beginning with a discovery phase to brainstorm concepts, design, technology, manufacture and more to reach your desired goals. Together, we evaluate the options and decide on a product direction.

Discovery
2

Clear specification and brief

A fully documented design process, beginning with a product requirements document covering everything from function to compliance.

PRD
3

Product development, prototyping and testing

Iteration through prototypes to reach the required level of fidelity, starting with cheap, rapid prototypes to answer questions early. Phased with decision and pivot points so we're always evaluating and not missing opportunities.

Scoped phases
4

Final prototype and a plan to production

Ending with a final prototype ready to put in front of users, show investors or test for yourself, as well as a clear route from the MVP to a manufacturable product. Although I will be designing for prototype, manufacturability is baked into the process so that major design changes aren't needed at later stages.

Deliverable
Why me

Built on a track record of shipping

Track record

The concepts I develop are built on a track record of shipping award-winning products. Over four years at Ooni I took products from concept to market, and the work produced multiple patented or patent-pending inventions and multiple international design awards. When working with your idea, my input is grounded in having actual real-world experience through prototyping, tooling, compliance and volume manufacture. I apply the same gold-standard design process to your ideas as I did when designing award-winning products.

Named on 3 patented or patent-pending inventions Award-winning products shipped worldwide Concept to volume manufacture, held end to end
Scope

Clear on both sides

What you need

  • → An idea or concept. It doesn't matter if it's barely more than a thought, we work through it together.
  • → A sense of where you want to end up, and who needs to see the finished result.

How I work

  • ✓ A structured, industry-standard design process.
  • ✓ Scoped, gated phases, so we agree on any work that is carried out.
  • ✓ Happy to work under an NDA from the first conversation.
  • ✓ Check-ins welcome throughout.
  • ✓ Explaining and taking you through the process so you understand everything.
Questions

Common questions

How much does it cost?
It depends on how far you want to go and how complex the product is, so the project is scoped and quoted uniquely. Usually I start with a small, fixed-price discovery phase (from £650) so we can work out if we're a good fit for working together, and I scope and price the concept and MVP phases from there. You approve each phase before it starts.
My idea is really rough, is it too early?
No. Early is ideal. The development process works better when the solution isn't fully defined before exploring all the options. Once a direction is decided upon, concrete and buildable products can be defined and developed.
What if it turns out my idea isn't feasible?
The best-case scenario here is that you find out quickly and cheaply, at the discovery stage, with the reasons explained and any alternative directions. That way, you can pivot direction or pause to consider long before you've sunk money into building the wrong thing. I'll always be honest about what could work and what likely won't.
Do you do the industrial design / styling too?
I'm a design engineer, so I work with both, but my expertise is in making the product work and be manufacturable. I handle functional and early-stage industrial design, but if a product needs heavy aesthetic styling I bring in a trusted ID partner, so you still get one joined-up process.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes, gladly, and before you share anything sensitive. Protecting your idea is part of the job.
What happens after the MVP?
If you want to take it to market, we move into full product development. This includes detailed design, design verification and manufacturing preparation, taking everything the MVP taught us and developing it into a production-ready product.
Let's build it

Ready to start turning your idea into a real product?

Book a free introductory call and tell me about it. We'll talk through where you are, what a sensible first step looks like, and how to get you to a working MVP.