How to take an consumer product idea to a prototype phase?

a question on linkedin by Stacy Zhao -

"How to take an consumer product idea to a prototype phase?
- I have an idea for a consumer product that I am looking to create a prototype of, but I do not have any experience in this space nor do I have any immediate connections who can help me. What steps can I take to find a professional to help me refine my idea and/or create a model or prototype of the product? How much of the process should I try to tackle myself? Thanks for any insights."

my answer:

"Stacy,

there are several professional design firms / individuals that can help you transform your idea into a complete product. best in class are one's like Ideo / Frog Design / Yves Bahar but they choose their clients. i'd try and answer the second part of your question - "how much of the process should i try and tackle myself"

the problem with most consumer products is that everyone has an opinion of what it should be like. specially at the early stages. most new ideas are not born out of high technology but are more of a subtle reconfiguration of the elements that make the product unique. this uniqueness is already well articulated, crisp and crystallized in your head. you know why it will matter to the user and this is your biggest contribution.

hence, before going to a professional it is important to articulate your product - some aspects of the product may be absolutely critical to you (e.g. it should fit into your pocket, or it should be lighter than a notebook) and you should stand by them no matter what.

your original idea will definitely evolve as you go through the phases of prototyping through manufacturing for large volume and it is good to be open and aware of how the slightest change in product configuration will have an overall market impact. sometimes overzealous designers try and "innovate" and you're often left with a diluted version of your original idea. on the other hand good designers will try to re-work the entire process, materials, manufacturing partners and everything if s/he is sold on your vision. i'd recommend you to be closely involved with the process of translating your product vision into a finished product and stay as hands on as possible."