Free Tools · No Sales Call Required
Free Planning Tools to Start Developing Your New Product
Whether you're exploring an idea or ready to build, these tools help you estimate costs, find funding, and document your product requirements — all before your first meeting.
PHASE 1
Concept Planning
PHASE 2
Detailed Engineering
PHASE 3
Prototype & Test
PHASE 4
Product Launch
These tools are designed for Phase 1 — Concept Planning. Start here before engaging a design team.
Choose a Tool to Get Started
Each tool is free, takes under 5 minutes, and gives you real planning data — no account needed.
MOST POPULAR
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
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
Capture Requirements
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
Product Development of Physical Devices
See how funding, cost, and specifications evolve across each phase — and where our free tools help you plan.
PHASE 1
Concept Planning
PHASE 2
Detailed Engineering
PHASE 3
Prototype & Test
PHASE 4
Product Launch
From Sketch to Shelf
See how a product evolves through each development phase.
Phase 1
Concept Sketch
Phase 2
CAD & Engineering
Phase 3
Prototype & Test
Phase 4
Manufacture & Ship
Need an Experienced Product Development Team?
Design 1st has developed 1,200+ physical products since 1996. Our integrated team takes products from concept through manufacturing, ready for first customer sales.
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