New Product Development Process Map | Steps & Flowchart Guide
Our process map shows every stage from Review/Analysis + Plan (stage 1, fixed $800) to Product Launch. Stage 1 is optional for simple products with clear CAD, sketches or a spec.
LA NPDT's product development process map: stage 1 Review/Analysis + Plan at a fixed $800, then fixed quotes per stage through prototyping, Manufacturing Planning & DFM and launch. Typical costs and timelines by product complexity. Technical feasibility analysis, key risks, and a staged plan with the recommended next step.
The 2026 process map
1 | Review/Analysis + Plan
Technical feasibility analysis, key risks, and a staged plan with the recommended next step. Fixed $800, paid up front. Results within 10 business days of receiving your files and intake form.
Stage 1
Review/Analysis + Plan
Fixed $800, paid up front, results within 10 business days.
A technical feasibility analysis, the key risks, and a staged plan with the recommended next step.
Simple product with clear CAD, sketches or a spec? Skip to a fixed stage 2 quote within 48 hours of your call.
2 | Concept Design
Concepts, initial product visuals, CAD, rough parts list (BOM) and a cost-to-make estimate.
3 | Benchtop Proof of Concept
Proves the 1 to 2 riskiest functions on a test rig. Not yet a working version of the product.
4 | Provisional Patent Application
Our team provides drawings and technical input for your patent attorney's provisional filing. Filing and legal work stay with your patent attorney.
5 | Technical Design & Engineering
Detailed mechanical, electrical and firmware design, ready for prototype build.
6 | Alpha Prototyping & Testing
First working version of the product, built and tested against your requirements.
7 | Beta Prototype
Refined units built from alpha findings, close to production look, feel and function.
8 | Intellectual Property Protection
Our team provides technical support to your patent attorney for utility patents and other protection. Filing and legal work stay with your patent attorney.
9 | Manufacturing Planning & DFM
Production plan, cost and tooling tweaks, supplier quotes, then manufacturing handoff.
10 | Marketing Materials
Renderings, photos and sales sheets for investors, buyers and campaigns.
11a | Licensing
License the product to a company that already sells into your market.
- a1 Licensee Scouting
- a2 Terms Negotiation
11b | Venturing
Fund and produce the product yourself.
- b1 Funding Search
- b2 Manufacturing
Product Launch
Licensing or venturing ends in the same place: your product in buyers' hands.
Stage prices by product complexity
| Stage | Class A Basic | Class B Simple | Class C Moderate | Class D Complex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Review/Analysis + Plan | Fixed $800 | Fixed $800 | Fixed $800 | Fixed $800 |
| 2 Concept Design | $2,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 | $9,500 to $15,000 | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| 3 Benchtop Proof of Concept | $1,000 to $5,000 | $2,500 to $10,000 | $5,000 to $15,000 | $20,000 to $35,000 |
| 5 Technical Design & Engineering | $2,000 to $6,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 | $12,000 to $25,000 | $15,000 to $35,000 |
| 6 Alpha Prototyping & Testing | $2,000 to $6,000 | $6,000 to $12,000 | $8,000 to $22,000 | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| 7 Beta Prototype | $1,000 to $6,000 | $4,000 to $12,000 | $6,000 to $22,000 | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| 9 Manufacturing Planning & DFM | $2,500 to $7,000 | $5,000 to $12,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 | $11,000 to $20,000 |
| Whole program (stages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9) | $11,300 to $36,800 | $28,300 to $66,800 | $49,300 to $111,800 | $86,800 to $175,800 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Class | Definition |
|---|---|
| Class A Basic | One part, no moving parts, no electronics |
| Class B Simple | One mechanism or simple electronics |
| Class C Moderate | Several mechanisms, medium electronics and firmware |
| Class D Complex | Multi-subsystem, firmware, hydraulics, app or custom tech |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Labor only, including equipment and machine time. Materials, tooling, certification, patent fees and app or cloud software are extra. Ranges are typical, not a quote; your price may come in below or above. Large automated systems and regulated medical devices often run above Class D. Materials and parts are billed at cost.
Optional add-ons
| Add-on | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Prior Art Search | from $600 | Closest patents and products. Not a legal opinion. |
| Market Research | from $900 | Market size, competitors, price points, target buyer. |
| Potential Consumer Survey | from $1,500 plus panel fees at cost | Concept survey of target buyers. |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
The product development process chart, in text
The same stages as the map above, written out so you can copy them into a project plan, a grant application or a board deck.
| Stage | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Review/Analysis + Plan | Technical feasibility analysis, key risks, and a staged plan with the recommended next step. |
| 2 | Concept Design | Concepts, initial product visuals, CAD, rough parts list (BOM) and a cost-to-make estimate. |
| 3 | Benchtop Proof of Concept | Proves the 1 to 2 riskiest functions on a test rig. Not yet a working version of the product. |
| 4 | Provisional Patent Application | Our team provides drawings and technical input for your patent attorney's provisional filing. |
| 5 | Technical Design & Engineering | Detailed mechanical, electrical and firmware design, ready for prototype build. |
| 6 | Alpha Prototyping & Testing | First working version of the product, built and tested against your requirements. |
| 7 | Beta Prototype | Refined units built from alpha findings, close to production look, feel and function. |
| 8 | Intellectual Property Protection | Our team provides technical support to your patent attorney for utility patents and other protection. |
| 9 | Manufacturing Planning & DFM | Production plan, cost and tooling tweaks, supplier quotes, then manufacturing handoff. |
| 10 | Marketing Materials | Renderings, photos and sales sheets for investors, buyers and campaigns. |
| 11a | Licensing | License the product to a company that already sells into your market. a1 Licensee Scouting, a2 Terms Negotiation. |
| 11b | Venturing | Fund and produce the product yourself. b1 Funding Search, b2 Manufacturing. |
| Product Launch | Your product reaches buyers. |
Want typical prices? See product development cost by complexity, or read the product development process guide.
Process map: common questions
What are the stages of the LA NPDT product development process?
1 Review/Analysis + Plan; 2 Concept Design; 3 Benchtop Proof of Concept; 4 Provisional Patent Application; 5 Technical Design & Engineering; 6 Alpha Prototyping & Testing; 7 Beta Prototype; 8 Intellectual Property Protection; 9 Manufacturing Planning & DFM; 10 Marketing Materials; 11a Licensing (Licensee Scouting, Terms Negotiation) or 11b Venturing (Funding Search, Manufacturing); then Product Launch.
How much does product development cost?
LA NPDT develops physical products in fixed-price stages. Stage 1, Review/Analysis + Plan, is a fixed $800. A whole program typically costs $11,300 to $36,800 for a basic one-part product, $28,300 to $66,800 for a simple product, $49,300 to $111,800 for a moderate product, and $86,800 to $175,800 for a complex product. Ranges cover labor only.
How long does product development take?
A typical program takes 3 to 6 months for a basic product, 5 to 9 months for a simple product, 7 to 12 months for a moderate product, and 9 to 15+ months for a complex product. That excludes tooling, certification, pilot runs and your review time between stages. Custom circuit boards can add 3 to 7 weeks.
How does pricing work?
Stage 1 is a fixed $800, paid up front, with results within 10 business days of receiving your files and intake form. It is optional: simple products with clear CAD, sketches or a spec can start at stage 2, and our team sends a fixed quote within 48 hours of your call. Every later stage gets its own fixed quote before it starts, billed 50% to start and 50% on delivery. Ranges are typical, not a quote; your price may come in below or above.
Can I skip stage 1?
Yes. Simple products with clear CAD, sketches or a spec can skip Stage 1 and start at stage 2. Our team sends a fixed stage 2 quote within 48 hours of your call.
How long does stage 1 take?
Stage 1 results arrive within 10 business days of receiving your files and intake form.
What is not included?
Not included: materials and parts (billed at cost), production tooling, certification and lab fees, patent and attorney fees (stages 4 and 8), marketing materials (stage 10), licensing or venturing (stage 11), app or cloud software.
What founders say after working with us
“Partnering with LA NPDT was pivotal for Venthalpy. Their comprehensive expertise, from mechanical and electronics engineering to firmware and mobile app creation, brought our vision to life. Engaging a single, unified development company streamlines the journey from concept to reality.”
Dustin MorrisCOO, Venthalpy Products“From the first phone call Konstantin and his staff walked us through the whole process from concept to prototype to final product design and production. They are experts at what they do. LA New Product Development delivered on time and under budget. If you have an idea in your head there is no doubt they can make it a reality!”
Shane ArmandRack Addict Attractants“From start to finish, these guys have what you need! Fast, slow or your own pace, they are with you every step of the way with the tools, answers and solutions. They brought my idea to life and the Bait Bunker is now on its way to becoming a real thing. Give them a shot!”
Trey VannCEO, M.O.S.S.Three reasons founders keep working with us
- 1
One team from sketch to shipped parts. Industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering, prototyping and manufacturing sit under one roof, so nothing is lost in a handoff.
- 2
You own the work. Native CAD, drawings and source files are yours at the end of every stage, with no lock-in, no re-buying your own design later.
- 3
Fixed scope, fixed price. Every stage is quoted up front with a deliverable list and a date. No hourly meters, no surprise invoices.
If you ever thought of developing a new product, don’t wait any longer. Talk with one of our experts today.
Tell us about your product
Send us the idea, the drawing or the problem. We reply within one business day with the next practical step.
Ready to scope the work? Start your product · Request a quote
