by Linzy Novotny
Have you ever wondered how an idea for a product comes to fruition? How will the product be produced, where will funding for the project come from and how is the patent process navigated are questions that come up in the course of bringing an idea to life.
Brothers Matthew and Mark McLachlan of Denver, Colo., are taking the guesswork out of the process with their new book, “Bright Ideas,” and are seeking funding through Kickstarter to get the book published.
“Each idea should be given the chance to experience the next steps—revisions, tweaking, physical prototyping and beyond,” as stated on the project’s Kickstarter page. “The stories and information in ‘Bright Ideas’ will give you the inspiration needed to get there.”
This is a sample page from "Bright Ideas."
The book will be between 100 and 150 pages, include full-color pages and be bound in a linen hardcover, according to Kickstarter. The book is divided into three sections.
For the first section, the brothers interviewed the creators of several Kickstarter projects. From watches, wine racks and a camera dolly to an iPad stand and bicycle lights, the input and advice of several creators of different types of products is included in the book. “Examining the journey that each of the innovators in this book has taken provides insights into the creative process that haven’t been readily available,” according to Kickstarter.
The second section of “Bright Ideas” includes information on plastic injection molding, CNC machining, patent filing and “other essential steps,” according to Kickstarter. The final section is a directory of experts that was recommended by project creators.
Pledging $25 gets you a copy of “Bright Ideas” and for $45 you will receive a signed copy of the book with a special note from the brothers. The book is set for distribution in March 2013. The brothers are asking for $25,000 by Nov. 23. As of Oct. 21, $4,660 has been raised. The project will only be funded if at least $25,000 is pledged.
“Do something,” the project’s page states. “An idea could change the world. The only problem is [that] you might not know where to start.”
What makes the McLachlans perfect authors for this book? They are creators themselves, with Matthew having two successful Kickstarter projects. Both projects helped fund this SoundJaw Unlimited invention, which is a flexible, plastic piece that clips onto tablets and smartphones to amplify sound.
The brothers also started TinyLightbulbs, a business that supports crowdfunding projects before and after funding is complete. “TinyLightbulbs actively participates in the crowdfunding process by using a portion of monthly revenue to back projects on sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, RocketHub, and Fundable,” according to the TinyLightbulbs website. “In other words, TinyLightbulbs is engaged in the stories of many of these innovations right from the start until they’re available for purchase here.”
TinyLightbulbs is also a marketplace where crowdfunded or independently funded projects are sold.
To contribute to “Bright Ideas,” visit the project’s Kickstarter page.
