Free Planning Tools to Start Developing Your New Product Idea
Whether you're exploring concepts or ready to prototype, these tools help you estimate costs, find funding, and document your product requirements — all before your first meeting with Design 1st.
Design 1st has designed and prototyped over 1200 physical products since 1996.
1,200+
Products Developed
25+
Years of Experience
35
In-House Specialists
12
Industry Verticals
Stage 1: Concept Sketch
Stage 2: CAD & Engineering
Stage 3: Prototype & Test
Stage 4: Manufacture & Ship
Five Planning Tools
These tools are designed for Stage 1 — Concept Planning. Start here before engaging a design team.
Each tool is free, takes under 5 minutes, and gives you real planning data — no account needed.
1,200+
Products developed
since 1996
since 1996
Need an Experienced Product Development Team?
Our integrated team takes products from concept through manufacturing, ready for first customer sales.
Product Development Budget Estimator
Describe your product idea or pick from examples ranging in complexity. Get instant estimates for development cost, timeline, required engineering disciplines, and technical challenges.
Timeline estimate Engineering disciplines Complexity assessment
Launch tool 
Target Market Research
Describe your product and get a sourced market research report — TAM/SAM/SOM sizing, buyer profiles for each sales channel, competitors, demand signals, and the risks worth checking before you commit.
Market sizing with sources Competitive landscape PDF export
Launch tool 
Create Product Requirement Document
Document your product idea with our guided Product Sketcher. Capture design requirements, target users, constraints, and functionality — creating a brief that any engineering team can work from.
Guided prompts Downloadable brief Share with your team
Launch tool 
User Persona Generator
Describe your product and instantly generate 3 detailed user personas — complete with demographics, goals, pain points, and willingness to pay. Understand who you're designing for before you start building.
3 diverse personas Demographics & goals Editable & exportable
Launch tool 
Funding Search
Find grants, programs, and funding sources relevant to your product category and location. Covers Canadian and US funding for product development and commercialization.
Grants & programs Canada & US coverage Filtered by product category
Launch tool 1,200+
Products developed
since 1996
since 1996
Reach out to our Experienced Product Development Team
Our integrated team takes products from concept through manufacturing, ready for first customer sales.
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