> 4. Don’t choose a large market
I feel like there's also a case where the opposite is true, e.g. that there's already proof that businesses are willing to pay for solutions in the space. As long as you have a differentiating factor to the big players (ideally via something they couldn't easily shift to), my knee jerk reaction is that it's still not a bad call to launch in the space.
The homogenization of big box board rooms needs vs. Regional cultural needs has narrowed the manufacturing focus to the average. My theory is that just in time manufacturing will move to the "garage stage". The retail price of American high end refrigerators and stoves may not reflect the cost of materials and quality of thought that went into the object. My plan is to develop a platform of appliances that is more efficient than existing offerings but available in specific sizes. Think of it like ordering custom furniture. The result could be a refrigerator that fits the space exactly using the finish materials of choice.
I have spent too many decades thinking about this but I have finally have my small run manufacturing facility (FabLab) set-up. I think it will be another 2 years before I get a product out the door.
This is an epicenter of the thinking. I personally think they are overcomplicating some aspects. I'm sure at a school of higher learning it needs all times of overthinking.
Also, I'd love to hear more about your fabrication and design pipeline. This kind of work sounds utterly dreamy to me. I used to work in hardware as a SWE and loved the mix of programming and hardware work. I've also longed to start a business, but am somewhat at a loss as to what even to do.
Currently I’m focused on my own 7 Apartments. Every big leap in living started by adding a new service to the kitchen.
fire, running water, electricity,….
Controlling the default installation for 8 kitchens should provide with a rare design freedom.
Finally I think I will be writing manifestos on technology and design. I have set myself up to only need to produce artifacts.
view.cogs.com
I have been at it since the 90s. I have answers to your question but I dont want to get into it here.
It's fine to choose a large market, as long as you niche down your specific offering with a differentiating factor specific to that niche which, in effect, shrinks your market.
A solo biz can't reasonably compete with Salesforce in the "B2B CRM" market. But a solo biz can prosper in the "B2B CRM for personal injury law offices with < 10 employees in the US", as a totally made up example.