How to Start Your Product Development Journey: Planning for Success
Developing a hardware product is a complex process—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re building a new connected device, an industrial tool, or a custom controller, the most critical step is the first one: getting started the right way.
At Engineering Lab, we’ve helped dozens of teams take an idea from sketch to shipment. We’ve learned that the difference between products that launch and those that stall is often this: Clear planning and understanding where you are in the process.
Early-stage sketching of design concepts, exploring broad ideas around form, materials, and finishes.
Designer developing a PCB layout for an LED lighting circuit, focusing on component placement and routing.
Start with Structure, Not Guesswork
Too many teams jump into prototyping without a roadmap. The result? Wasted time, costly rework, or hitting a wall midway through development.
That’s why we created our Product Development Guide—a step-by-step framework to help you:
Understand each phase of the journey
Identify potential bottlenecks early
Know when to design, when to test, and when to outsource
Keep your project moving efficiently from idea to launch
Knowing Where You Are—and Where You’re Headed
A successful product doesn’t come from rushing forward. It comes from understanding:
What stage you're at (concept, prototype, manufacture, etc.)
What’s needed to move to the next stage
Which parts of the process you can handle—and which you need help with
We’ve seen this first-hand: a great idea can stall if you're unsure what comes next or try to take on everything yourself.
Our Product Development Guide checklist gives you a clear snapshot of your current position, so you can make informed, confident decisions.
Our comprehensive Product Development Guide — available as a free download to support your journey from idea to prototype.
Where Projects Get Stuck
Even the most promising products can hit roadblocks. Common bottlenecks we’ve seen include:
Vague or shifting requirements
Misaligned mechanical and electronic design
Underestimating production constraints
Firmware delays that block testing
Gaps between prototype and scalable manufacturing
These challenges don’t just slow you down—they can derail a launch entirely if not caught early.
We tune our designs based on the material, the process (resin printing, CNC, injection molding), and production volume.
Complex CAD design work is validated through both digital simulations and real-world prototyping to ensure performance and reliability.
Ready for the first prototype: all components are tested using 3D-printed parts before refining the design and introducing new materials. This approach helps avoid wasted time and resources.
Why Work With a Studio Like Engineering Lab?
We don’t just build prototypes — we live and breathe product design.
From our studio at Amsterdam Science Park, we turn ambitious ideas into real-world products that are manufacturable, scalable, and ready for market.
What sets us apart:
Integrated design & prototyping – Everything happens under one roof for faster turnaround and better results.
Support at any stage – Whether you’re sketching your first idea or gearing up for production, we meet you where you are.
Experience that sees ahead – We know the process inside out, so we can help you avoid pitfalls before they appear.
Designed for the real world – Every product is developed with function, feasibility, and future growth in mind.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're starting your product journey, or stuck and unsure what comes next, download our free Product Development Guide and Checklist. It’s designed to help you take control of your roadmap—and build with confidence.
And when you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help.
