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Inventor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An inventor is someone who creates or designs a new device, process, composition, or method. It's a role driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a desire to make things better or introduce something entirely new. In the UK, inventors can come from any background, from independent individuals working on their passion projects in a garage to highly specialised engineers and scientists within large corporations or university research departments. The process typically involves identifying a problem or an opportunity, conceptualising a solution, developing prototypes, testing, refining, and potentially protecting the intellectual property through patents. It often requires a strong understanding of technical principles, market needs, and sometimes business acumen to commercialise the invention. The journey of an inventor can be challenging, requiring perseverance, resilience, and the ability to learn from failures, but the reward of seeing an idea become a reality can be incredibly fulfilling.

Inventor

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📊 Statistics

Median Salary for Research and Development Professionals

While there isn't a direct 'inventor' salary, individuals whose primary role involves creating new products or processes often fall under Research and Development. The median salary for R&D professionals in the UK is around 45,000 per year, but this can vary significantly based on industry, experience, and the success of inventions. Highly successful inventors who patent and license their creations could earn much more through royalties or business ventures.

UK Patent Applications

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) receives tens of thousands of patent applications each year. In 2022, there were over 14,000 patent applications filed with the IPO, showcasing a vibrant culture of innovation and a continuous effort to bring new ideas to fruition across various sectors.

Number of Businesses in Research and Development

As of early 2023, there were over 30,000 businesses operating primarily in research and development activities across the UK. Many of these businesses employ individuals who contribute to inventing new products, processes, or services, indicating a substantial ecosystem for innovation and invention.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Product Design Engineer

Focuses on developing new products, from concept to production, considering usability, aesthetics, and manufacturing processes. You'd use CAD software and work on prototypes, bringing innovative ideas to life.

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Patent Examiner

Works within an intellectual property office, like the UK IPO, to review new patent applications. You'd assess if inventions are truly novel and non-obvious, protecting the rights of inventors and promoting innovation.

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Innovation Consultant

Helps businesses and organisations identify new market opportunities, develop innovative strategies, and foster a culture of creativity. You'd work with various clients to solve problems and drive future growth through invention.

Foundation & Skill Building

Cultivate Curiosity and Problem-Solving

Develop a habit of questioning how things work, identifying inefficiencies, and brainstorming potential improvements in everyday life.

Start by actively observing your surroundings. What annoys you? What could be easier? What problems do people face? Read widely across different subjects, not just those related to your existing interests. Engage in critical thinking exercises, like dissecting how products are designed or services are delivered, and then consider alternative approaches. This foundational step is about training your mind to see opportunities for innovation.

Acquire Technical and Creative Skills

Gain hands-on experience and knowledge in relevant areas like engineering, design, coding, or arts, depending on your interests.

Consider pursuing higher education in fields such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, software), product design, industrial design, or even a scientific discipline. Alongside formal education, take online courses, attend workshops, and engage in personal projects that allow you to build, create, and experiment. Practical skills in areas like 3D printing, CAD software, electronics, or even crafting can be invaluable for prototyping your ideas.

Build a Portfolio of Projects

Start creating and documenting small projects, even if they are just experiments or concepts, to showcase your inventive thinking.

Don't wait for a 'big idea' to start. Begin with smaller, manageable projects that allow you to practice your problem-solving and making skills. This could be anything from modifying an existing product to solve a minor inconvenience, to developing a simple app, or designing a new piece of furniture. Document your process, including sketches, prototypes, and lessons learned. This portfolio will demonstrate your initiative and capability to future collaborators or investors.

Idea Development & Prototyping

Idea Generation and Validation

Systematically brainstorm new ideas, research existing solutions, and validate the market need and feasibility of your concepts.

Once you have a problem identified, explore multiple potential solutions. Use techniques like SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to expand your thinking. Critically research existing patents, products, and services to ensure your idea is novel and offers a significant improvement. Talk to potential users or customers to understand their needs and validate if your proposed solution genuinely addresses a problem they experience.

Concept Design and Prototyping

Translate your ideas into tangible designs and create prototypes to test functionality and gather feedback.

This stage involves turning abstract ideas into concrete representations. Start with sketches, then move to more detailed drawings, 3D models using CAD software, or even physical mock-ups made from simple materials like cardboard or foam. The goal is to create a 'Minimum Viable Product' (MVP) or prototype that demonstrates the core functionality of your invention. Don't aim for perfection in the first prototype; focus on testing key assumptions and gathering early feedback.

Iterate and Refine

Continuously refine your invention based on testing, feedback, and further research, embracing a cycle of improvement.

Invention is rarely a linear process. Expect to make multiple versions of your prototype. Each round of testing will reveal flaws, areas for improvement, and new insights. Actively seek feedback from potential users, mentors, and experts. Be prepared to pivot your design or even your core idea if initial feedback suggests a better direction. This iterative process is crucial for developing a robust and effective invention.

Protection & Commercialisation

Intellectual Property Protection

Understand and secure the necessary intellectual property rights, such as patents, to protect your invention.

Before publicly disclosing your invention, especially if you plan to commercialise it, research intellectual property (IP) law. For novel functional inventions, a patent might be appropriate. Consult with a patent attorney or advisor to determine the best strategy for protecting your idea in the UK and internationally. Patents can be complex and expensive, so understanding the process and its implications is vital.

Business Plan & Funding

Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your market strategy, financial projections, and seek funding if needed.

If your goal is to bring your invention to market, you'll need a solid business plan. This should detail your target market, how you'll manufacture and distribute your product, your marketing strategy, and realistic financial forecasts. Explore various funding options such as bootstrapping, crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, or government grants for innovation. A well-crafted plan is essential for attracting investment.

Launch & Marketing

Bring your invention to market through manufacturing, distribution, and effective marketing strategies.

This final stage involves scaling up production, establishing distribution channels, and launching your invention to the public. Develop a strong brand identity and marketing campaign to reach your target audience. Consider online and offline sales channels, public relations, and social media to generate interest and drive sales. Be prepared for ongoing refinement based on market feedback post-launch.

🎬 Useful Videos

Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about how reflection can help us see.
2:14
Expert

Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about how reflection can help us see.

almost 2 years ago
Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about reflection.
2:17
Expert

Expert Film: This is Adrian Davis-Johnston, who works as the Head of Research Development and Innovation for Nuvia. Adrian talks about reflection.

almost 2 years ago
Elliott Thompson
2:11
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Elliott Thompson

over 1 year ago

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Inventor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for Inventor

Sample Qualifications

An inventor's primary role often involves conceiving, developing, and iterating on new products or solutions, which aligns closely with the core duties of a product designer who focuses on creating functional and desirable products.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could study a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

  • design
  • product design
  • industrial product design
  • engineering

You could also do a course covering a particular industry, which includes design options, for example automotive engineering and furniture design.

You can improve your job prospects by getting work experience during your studies.

Your university careers service can help you to find suitable placements, internships and year in industry opportunities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Product Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 5 years to complete and is a mix of workplace training with academic study at an approved university.

You might also apply to do a Model Making Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. Training includes physical and digital model making, building prototypes and creating mock-ups.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

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Career tips

Entering design competitions and exhibitions can be a good way of getting yourself noticed by employers.

You'll need to show employers that you have creative skills, technical knowledge and the ability to work to a design brief. This will usually involve presenting a portfolio of your design work to them.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Society of Designers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can get more information about careers in product design from Neon and the Design Business Association.

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