Free template · Idea-to-Product Roadmap

Idea-to-Product Roadmap: seven steps, with a cost band for each

Bringing a hardware product to market goes best in an order that keeps each mistake cheap: the cheap steps first, and the real money only once those answers are in. Here are the seven steps, with our published cost range and a timeline for each.

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The 7 steps

From idea to a product that pays

A simple product typically lands at $20,000 to $60,000, a typical connected product at $75,000 to $300,000, and complex or regulated products commonly above $500,000, over 12 to 30 months. The PDF adds Your quote and Your budget columns and a timeline.

A

Prove it

2 items
  1. 01
    Write it down and take depositsAbout $500, spent on information. A sketch, one page on what it must do, and small refundable deposits from real buyers. About 1 to 2 weeks.
  2. 02
    Feasibility and the riskiest testOur study: about $200 to $2,000. A full assessment: $1,500 to $15,000+. Can it be built, at what cost and with which certifications? Then test the riskiest part first. About 2 to 4 weeks. Try the Invention Idea Checker first.
B

Build it

2 items
  1. 03
    The engineering prototypeIndustrial design from about $15,000; electronics $25,000 to $75,000; prototype builds about $5,000 to $50,000+. Industrial design, electronics, firmware and enclosure, then works-like builds. About 3 to 6 months. See the Cost & Timeline Estimator.
  2. 04
    A month of real useTest units and lab pre-scans: your quotes. Put units with real users and run the tests in our Prototype Test Plan. About 4 to 8 weeks.
C

Make it

2 items
  1. 05
    Factory files and approved samplesTooling: aluminum $3,000 to $15,000, steel $20,000 to $100,000+; certification from about $1,500. Design for manufacture, tooling, certification and signed golden samples. About 2 to 4 months. Use the Certification Finder and First Production Run Checklist.
  2. 06
    A small launch to your deposit listPilot run: units × unit cost. A pilot run, shipped to the people who paid deposits. About 4 to 8 weeks. Work out the Landed Cost Sheet first.
D

Improve it

1 item
  1. 07
    Version two from buyer feedbackSustaining engineering: commonly 15% to 20% of build cost a year. Fix what buyers report, and let your first buyers write the list for version two. Ongoing.

Download the roadmap (PDF)

All seven steps with their cost bands and timelines, plus Your quote and Your budget columns and the bigger picture.

Read more

Is your idea ready to build? →Hardware Cost & Timeline Estimator →How long does hardware development take? →

FAQ

Questions about bringing a product to market

What are the steps to bring a product to market?

Seven, in the order that keeps each mistake cheap: write it down and take deposits, feasibility and the riskiest test, the engineering prototype, a month of real use, factory files and approved samples, a small launch to your deposit list, and version two from buyer feedback.

How much does it cost to go from idea to product?

A simple product typically lands at $20,000 to $60,000, a typical connected product at $75,000 to $300,000, and complex or regulated products commonly above $500,000. The roadmap shows a cost band for each step.

How long does it take?

Typically 12 to 30 months, depending on the product. Much of the calendar is waiting for tooling, lab bookings and parts.

Is it really free?

Yes. Everything is on this page with no email needed. You only enter an email if you want the PDF copy.

Want an engineer to place your idea on the roadmap?

Bring it to a free 30-minute call. We will tell you honestly which step you are on and what the next one costs.

Book a call with an engineer →See the full toolkit