The Investigation
Next you need to refine the problem by asking questions and undertaking some research. What do you already know about water conservation or recycling? What do people currently use? Is there a need for new solutions? Use the library and the Internet. Look at journals, catalogues and brochures. Read the newspaper. Talk to other people. What ideas and devices are already in use? You could look at your local nursery or hardware store for products that already exist. You could find out how they’re made and test how well they work. Perhaps you can think of a way to improve them. Have a look at our investigation page for more information.

Market Research
Once you have a prototype (working model) of your invention you will need to make sure enough people will want to buy your invention in the right shape, form and size (and maybe colour) and at the right price.

Desk research
Read industry magazines and journals that could relate to your invention.
Search the Internet for information about other products and potential markets.

People research
You will need to talk to retailers about what sells. You might talk to people who would use your product and get their opinion. The more people you ask, the more accurate your research will be.

Don’t forget to record all your work in your journal.

The Best Possible Solution
Do you have an idea that could be a solution to the problem? It might be an idea to save water in the garden, or new uses for recycling plastics. You may need to undertake some more research and discussion to come up with the best possible design for your solution. Good design meets a few basic requirements. It should be simple, suitable, functional and economical.

Don’t forget to record all your work in your journal.

Designing a Model and Working Drawings
After that you can develop the design of your model. You will need to make working drawings. You can draw a quick sketch, put labels on your drawings, or draw it in three dimensions, or sections. You might make lists or write a short explanation. Try and think of any problems you might encounter.

Don’t forget to record all your work in your journal.

Constructing and evaluating your Model
Once you’re happy with your working drawings you’re ready to construct your model and try it out. Evaluate your model, or system, and see how it works. Get other people to try it and tell you what they think – this is called market research.

If you've got to here you must try to fill in the offical entry form ...here

Find out about Researching your idea click ...here

How to get your invention onto the shop floor click

Find out about – Market Research....here