Connecticut Invention Convention Independent Inventors Program
Lecture Series Pt. 1
November 17th. 2022
Our Agenda
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4
Everyone can Invent!
There is always a problem to solve! – thousands of inventions each year
Athletes solve problems in their sport.
Musicians solve problems with their equipment/instruments.
Readers find problems in the books they are reading.
Or they go big and solve global problems!
The Essential Elements of Invention Convention
Logbook
Prototype/
Model
Display Board/Poster
Presentation
How do we know something is an invention?
What is an Invention?
Is the product you created an invention?
What is an Invention?
What makes something an invention?
New concept or improvement on something that already exists!
Useful, �unique
Device or process that originates after study and experimentation
Characteristics of Inventions
invention
improvement
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3
5
The solution
is researched
The solution �offers an improvement �to a product that already exists
1
Research!
The solution �is either not like anything out there �OR
2
The problem �is researched
How will I know �if I have a new idea?
The inventor should be able to explain how their idea is
different/cheaper/etc. from similar products on the market.
Inventions All Around
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND
Why do you think so?
Which of these inventions do each of you think was the most
Important?
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Identify Problems
2
Ideate Solutions
3
Understand your Idea
4
Design + Test your Solution
Our Invention
Process
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Share your idea!
Step 1: Identify Problems
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2
Talk to friends & family
Check out the news
Keep a “notice” card or journal
3
Think about your interests
4
The first secret of design is noticing – Tony Fadell
Just Talk
Starting Problem Identification
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Collect and share your problems/ideas.
Share feedback. Add more ideas…
Step 2: Brainstorm Solutions
Choose one problem and brainstorm an invention to solve it!
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3
2
When inventing, you should know WHO will use your invention.
That’s your end user.
End users should test your invention, if possible.
Knowing your End User
Step 3: Understand your Idea
1
Does my idea already exist?
Identify keywords for your invention
2
Start searching! Google, shopping sites, patent sites…
If it exists, can you innovate the idea?
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1
Write and draw your ideas out first! Label parts and list materials
2
Get feedback on your design. Make changes if needed.
Step 4: Design, Build Test (Repeat!)
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4
Build a prototype of your invention. Use materials that are around you!
Test it out and gather data.
Capturing the invention process
Inventors record their invention journey in a logbook!
There are questions to answer, but also free thinking and writing is encouraged.
Inventors WRITE
Inventors DRAW
The Invention Log
Inventors should DRAW
B
Building & Testing….
Building: Inventors can collect items at home for building!
Brainstorm together materials around the home that can be used.
Testing: inventors should have people �use their invention.
Iterations are critical.
Testing your invention
Step 5: Communicate
Display board/Poster
Logbook or
drawings
Share your work!
Prototype
Questions?