Before creating a product prototype, what is one of the first steps to take when you have an idea for a new product?

While identifying materials is a significant step in the product development process, the most effective first step when you have an idea for a new product is to conduct a SWOT analysis. This analysis helps in understanding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the idea. By evaluating these factors, you gather critical insights that inform the product's design and fabrication.

A SWOT analysis allows you to clarify the unique aspects of your idea, consider market competition, and identify potential challenges and advantages in the current landscape. This foundational understanding is crucial as it guides subsequent decisions, including identifying the appropriate materials needed for prototyping.

In contrast, identifying materials, while important, typically comes after you have evaluated the feasibility and market position of the product idea. Choosing a marketing strategy and setting a price are also steps that would follow the completion of an analysis that informs the overall business strategy related to the product idea. Hence, conducting a SWOT analysis provides the necessary groundwork to ensure that future steps are well-informed and strategically planned.