Great write-up.
I am looking at my own product development, and one of the routes I am exploring is actually
using my own university clubs and peers to do the work, as a student.
That was a killer reason WHY I didn't choose to drop out of studies.
1. I will find clubs with members who have done projects similar to mine, be it engineering, business and coding.
That may count even professors.
2. I will break up my potential product into components.
Anyone remembers cars? The top companies get their tyres, glass, safety kit and engine parts from different manufacturers and send them to a central assembly part for the actual creation.
That is the same with products like an app or a tool.
likewise, a typical website app might consist of
- front end
-back end
-UI
-security
-database
-algorithms to calculate sh*t
And so on....
Break the product into its components, and have the kids create each one separate from the other, at least the prototypes.
For example, Bob from engineering club may fix up the IC chips.
Mary the nerd might correct some CAD drawings.
Horton who is in web dev might draw me some versions of a good website.
Even if any one of them would like to copy my work, they would have to take the time to find all the people helping me to make the product, as universities are BIG.
Divide and conquer.
It works in real life too.
My dad who does spare parts doesn't know much about the other manufacturers on the IC or software divisions. He just 'assumes' they do his or that.
And meanwhile, the big company that uses his services happily gets their work, assembles product and earns happily ever after.
On copycats, if any...
I am not counting on them to have such a huge network or are willing to shirk studies to do the findings.
It is about as probable as lightning hitting me. Lightning does kill people, and I don't swim in rainy days, but not very often.
Of course, this may be simplistic, and I suggest that you only apply this to develop the first prototype.
Rest of the time freed up to be used to pre-sell, get investors if you need more capital and so on.
Now on the actual assembly of the product. I'm not there yet, but I have something in mind....
I can either:
- Check all the parts sent in and assemble it myself.
- Do EXTRA due diligence on getting in a small circle of people to help me do assembly, if the product is too tough.
I might hire few and hire slow.
3. The next step would be to then hire the work out to more experienced and industrial orientated freelancers or hires. Start the actual scaling.
With the preliminary work the students put in, you can have a better idea on how to communicate the needs.
You COULD take the uni students with you, and do the due diligence and spend more time to forge a relationship with them.
That may involve living with the bear in its cave to know the bear.
Yes. Great point.
This is one of the few times I actually LIKE the Slowlane for existing.
Still, I would say not to reveal the 'full picture' like potential money figures or actual industrial viability.
Let them focus on working on the project for their 'own good', be it professional credibility and exposure to the industry. To each their own, as I may say.
Fair trade!
