Connecting in the Outdoors
First I want to clarify that I do not mean connecting with nature and your surroundings or meeting new people on a group hiking experience. I mean networking and collaborating with other like-minded individuals within the outdoor industry who share the same passion and values you have as a product developer. For me, this proves rather difficult, as Western New York isn't exactly the hub of cottage brand-makers and garage-grown gear junkies. Even more so, 3D-printed outdoor equipment is in its infancy, though I'm certain that will not remain the case forever.
For many individuals who have the drive to start making outdoor equipment, it can be hard to connect with others who pursue those same interests, especially if you live outside of places like the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and the Northeast (or where outdoor recreation is not a staple in your local culture). My greatest piece of advice is to simply reach out to makers and talk to them about what they do and their experiences. While it may be daunting, there is no harm in asking others for their input; the worst they can do is say no but you'll find this is hardly the case. In my brief time producing outdoor goods, I have spoken to small mom-and-pop shops, brands, and innovators, and I've gained a lot of valuable knowledge: how to maintain a positive headspace, when to follow your nose with an idea, and what to do when you have hit a creative roadblock. In this post, I would like to focus on those points for readers who may find themselves in a similar situation.
Maintaining Positivity
You are not Patagonia, Arc'Teryx, MSR, or any number of brands that have a not-so-small army of developers behind them whose sole purpose is to create new products BUT this gives you the advantage of time. Big name-brands need to have a near-constant flow of new products to remain relevant (or dare I say, trendy) and remain at the forefront of the industry, but for many small brands, even those who have not dedicated themselves to gear manufacturing full-time, such as myself, this is simply not feasible, which is okay if it isn't. This allows up-and-coming creators more time to refine products and ideas because we are not competing against other companies and customers who believe in what we do understand. Take moments to also honor the creative journey you have found yourself on, how many individuals can say they design nifty gadgets and innovative tools real people keep on hand while they embark on their next adventure?
Is This A Good Idea?
Nothing is more defeating than thinking every single product you have is worthless; this can quickly snowball into thoughts like "I'm a failure" or "nobody will like my ideas." To this, I say, you will never know if it is a good idea unless you try, fail, and try again. If you believe there is potential then give it a shot, have friends and family weigh in, and take all the notes along the way. When I was developing the Driver, it started as a simple tent stake driver, which in my mind just was not enough to make it unique. So I discussed this with my mother, who is also an avid hiker and mountaineer, and she suggested adding something for the Deuce of Spades as well. These ideas came together to help produce the most popular item I sell all because I reached out to others for input. So ask around, take into consideration good and bad critiques, and try it out for yourself. A good idea is always just around the corner.
Creators Block
The solution to a creative block is simple and easy, and it is almost always overlooked. You may find that you've exhausted all of your ideas and you just don't know where to go. The fix? Go outside and research. Going out for a day on the trail or a weekend trip gives you time as a consumer, allowing you to experience moments of "I wish there was [blank]." This is a powerful way to generate sudden sparks of creativity without forcing yourself to magically pull something out of thin air. I find that visiting a local outdoor gear shop helps because I can look at all of the cool products they have, and think to myself "I wonder if I could do that or make that better." In a world of constant connectivity, scrolling through online sites, blogs, and forums will provide you with an abundance of ideas and suggestions you may have never thought of. The MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) subreddit is a fantastic place to find inspiration or people who wish there was a product that could solve their problem.
These points are not the only issues that plague outdoor gear designers but they are, in my opinion, the big three and I will delve into further issues in future posts. If you are struggling to get your ideas off the ground or simply aren't sure about the next steps you should take, reach out to others in the industry, family, and friends, and see what they have to offer. Just remember you (or your team if you have one) are small and just starting. There is no need to rush and compare yourself to name brands that have been in the industry for years or even decades.
