Some Q's on ideas

Re: [spiers] Some Q's on ideas


In a message dated 4/30/03 9:46:05 AM, sourcesf@yahoo.com writes:

<this is a pet peeve for the group.

***No.***

I have a couple of ideas and wanted
to get your input on whether you consider them valid pursuits based on
design. I have a feeling the answer may be no, one of the reasons
being because the design is an artistic design. (art could be easily
copied and is not exactly the type of design that solves a
"problem/need" as you advice in your book/class)

***Happily my opinions count for nothing, when compared to the opinions of
the people who will actually buy from you. Always ask them. As for art, why
would that be an exception? In the history of mankind, all art has been
created to please a patron, the customer, whether it is govt art that junks
up public places, or private art you see in museums, such as michaelangelos
David. Art is also always created in an competitive environment, indeed,
there is no art without competition. Art solves many problems indeed. ***


IDEA #1
-------
Importing Chinese art type products (e.g.- painted crystal ball) into
the US that is based on an American art design.

***Good, if... the designs are confirmed are a good idea and don't exist in
stores you expect to sell your items, they solve a problem and China is the
best place in the world to have the product made.***

So, I would have an artist here create the design and have the
Chinese manufacturer use that design when they make the product for me.

A couple of things to note that I've done so far:

* I have a local artist in mind to make the design for me.

*I have also talked to a couple of small retail shops that sell
somewhat related things and they said the idea sounded pretty
interesting, but they would have to really see an example or picture to
get a better visual of how it would look like.

***Your initial approach here is "I want to sell" ... the approach I
recommend is "I want to buy"... the difference has profound implications.***

* I've looked around a lot to see if anyone else is doing anything
similar and I really haven't found anything.

***Same with the UN Weapons inspectors in Iraq, but we are assured weapons
are there. It does not matter what we think or know... what do the custoemrs
say?***

Questions:

* Is this product design idea a possible valid one in your mind?

***You can do much better.***

* Since a couple of people in retail shops gave me positive feedback,
should I go through the motions of getting a couple of samples made to
use for show?

***No, go back to experiencing a problem and coming up with the solution.***

IDEA #2
-------
Exporting American art work with a custom design.

***I like it, but my opinion does not matter.***

* I have a couple of local artists in mind that create very original
types of work. I've talked to them and they are open to working with
me on my idea. (doing the design, etc.)

* I have talked to several different friends, associates, etc. who
either have family or themselves live or do work with/in China, and
found that many middle class people are looking for western (American
or European) type of art for their homes. (Actually, the desire
includes over all interior design and decorating as well.) So, at
least from a end-consumer perspective I think I got a little bit of
positive info.

* I have sent some images of art work by the local artists and then
gave my shtick on what differences/customized type art I thought would
work over there (and got their feedback and changes). So, i'm working
on the design(s), tweaks and changes that would hopefully be better
over there.

* I have looked on the net and also had a couple of locals look around
their area in galleries and stores with art, etc. There is western
art, of course, but there hasn't really been anything similar found.

Questions/Concerns:

* Is this product design idea a possible valid one in your mind?

***No, because you have not spoken to a single importer in China who says "I
want..." You've spoken to friends and relatives who will agree with whatever
you say. And, if... you were in touch with what you are REALLY passionate
about, you would not concern youself with these prospects.***

* Do I need to worry about local reproductions? Making fake copies of
things is something that is so common in China, so cheap reproductions
could easily be made over there.

***If your custoemrs prefer cheap reproductions, why would you simply not
start with cheap reporductions.? If your customers do not care for cheap
reproductions, what do you care if anyone makes cheap reproductions?***

I figure that is a major concern, but
at the same time they wouldn't be "real" art signed by the original
artist. I believe authenticity, at least for a certain segment of
people over there, would be something that is very important.

***You believe this based on feedback from paying customers of yours?***

They
would actually want the art to be authentically made here in the US,
and they wouldn't accept a similar design that was made in China
(although, at the same time, probably a lot of people wouldn't mind
that).

***And you know this because...?***

So, those are the ideas I have. I'm waiting to get kicked in the pants
with your feedback.

***Please send a pair of pants that I may kick. In the meantime, what you
are doing, I fear, is organizing around a resource. I love China... Hong
Kong is my favorite city in the world... (Seattle and San Francisco are
"home" so they don't count...) and I can understand when people want to trade
with China. But it is a resource, and there are 3 billion people happy to
waste time with you, and 5,000 who you could get rich with, but they won't
waste time with you unless you play your role and provide your value as a
small biz int'l trader. ***

At the same time, I'm hoping part of the ideas may
be fine because I'm still really excited about doing my own business
after having taken your class (even though the class was awhile ago). >>

***It is up to customers whether the ideas are fine; the only thing I can say
is YOU have something to contribute no one else will, and it will be the
basis of a thriving int'l trade biz for you. The customer is most important,
but the product is the hardest part. Go where the most likely products are,
where you experience dissatisfaction.

For example.. a young lady wondered why orthodontic teeth braces had to be an
adventure in sadism. She wondered why one could not make braces made of
plastic teeth liners that slowly move the teeth where they should go. Why
not painless, removeable braces...so people being treated can continue their
normal lives, eat normally, etc?

She lined up designers, developed the product, and is on the market as
Invisilign. She charges quite a premium, but people are willing to pay it
for the advantages. And recall, she is NOT a dentist... she just was
passionate about this particular problem and the solution.

I too thought of this solution to this problem years ago (no doubt tens of
thousands have), but I could care less. So I never did anything about it.
But I am taking advantage of this product (treatment?) now that it is out.
Be confident. And take advantage of what you care about.***

John

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