When we cannot source a useful product at the right price, we prototype and test one ourselves. When another maker already does the work well, we stock it instead.
Using the products in our own spaces gives us a short feedback cycle. We can adjust a design before making more of it and avoid long commitments to inventory that does not work.
From making to selling
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Prototype in-house
Build for a need we have and test the design through regular use.
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Learn from use
Record problems, requests, and changes that would make the product more useful.
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Offer a small run
Make the product available to others once the design is dependable.
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Review and adjust
Continue, revise, or stop according to use and demand.