From Idea to Realization: What Are the 6 Stages of Product Creation?

2 min readMay 4, 2020

Many products fall flat upon being introduced to the market, often because of avoidable mistakes made well beforehand. Approaching the process of product creation strategically will always make such failures less likely.

1. Brainstorming

Most truly innovative and distinctive products arise from plenty of in-depth thinking about what particular markets need. While inspiration sometimes strikes unexpectedly, product creation becomes a lot more manageable and predictable for those who commit to plenty of brainstorming.

2. Research

Once a general idea for a product has been settled on, it will be wise to start researching the particulars. This most often means commissioning studies that can be tailored to reflect the characteristics of the proposed or contemplated product.

3. Design

Once research has been used to firm up ideas arrived at through brainstorming, the difficult work of product design can begin. It will generally be best to focus on making progress instead of trying to perfect every detail along the way.

4. Refinement

With a generally complete design for a product having been produced, it will then be possible to begin refining it. Working with an established, comprehensive design means being able to assess proposed changes in a realistic context.

5. Costing

A product that is overly expensive to produce will never realize its potential. Figuring out how to make a product competitive with regard to cost can be one of the most imposing tasks of all. Even in cases where a product will be targeted at the high end of the market, costing work needs to be taken seriously.

6. Production

With a product’s design and financial details in order, it will then be possible to start making arrangements for its production. Choosing the right manufacturer and other partners will always boost a product’s odds of success.