The startup landscape in India is healthier than ever. We’re seeing new startups solving actual problems on the market, and existing ones reaching new heights and becoming world-class companies. The growing market attracts a lot of new visionaries, so it is not surprising to see new startups being founded today.
If you are thinking about solving a problem with a product, you are on the right track. Some of the most successful startups on the market started life as a group of people trying to solve problems around them. In fact, you are no longer limited to using software or apps to solve issues. There are several reasons why a hardware-based product could be your key to success.
Accessible Product Development
You don’t have to be an engineer with years of experience to develop a hardware-based product. Thanks to platforms and starter kits like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, developing devices like IoT or small gadgets is no longer a complex process.
While the platforms have limits, they are also designed to be incredibly flexible. Add-ons, sensors, and other components can be added to add new functionalities. Experimenting with these platforms is easy thanks to their open IDEs and huge communities of users.
Of course, developing a custom hardware – an entirely new product – is also a possibility. You can quickly master how to make a 3D model of a circuit board with the help of tools like Altium Designer. These tools are transforming how hardware development is approached.
The entire board development process can be completed with such software. Everything from designing the schematic, creating a 3D model, testing for component clearance and functionality, and finalizing the PCB design becomes a seamless process.
Rapid Prototyping to the Rescue
While simulations are useful for initial testing, real product testing is best done with prototypes. Until very recently, making prototypes is a costly and time-consuming process. That is no longer the case today, especially with technologies like 3D printing changing the landscape completely.
Rapid prototyping is no longer limited to printing rigid 3D models. You can print moving parts and test them directly without having to do assembly first. More materials can be used too, so you have the option to test material strength and design integrity with the prototypes.
Even more complex things like getting the prototypes made, tested, and refined are easier to do. You can outsource rapid prototyping to experienced service providers and gain valuable insights that will help improve your product.
It’s a Big Market
More importantly, hardware-based solutions are capable of solving more problems. IoT with its growing number of sensors and automation options can solve everyday issues around us. Tackling bigger challenges is just as easy; there are startups that use IoT and hardware-based solutions for solving city-wide problems, dealing with traffic, fighting climate change, and working towards achieving bigger goals.
That brings us back to the initial point: solving problems is how you guarantee startup success. Now that you have more access and resources, you can tap into a bigger problems catalog and base your startup on hardware-based solutions.