Iteration is slow and expensive. With web software you can iterate (change - release - get user feedback) daily. Hardware takes weeks or months to iterate.
You always need more iterations than you think to get to a great product.
You always need more iterations than you think to get to a great product.
I understand you can have a PCB fab house build a 4-layer board and have it to you in a couple of days for a large price, but I'm wondering if there are other alternatives.
Sourcing components turned out to be a big source of delay for us at Anybots. It was hard to communicate with vendors, and some parts had 8-week lead times.
It's important to have a process for iteration. For example, trying a new component requires:
- calling vendors
- getting samples
- doing mechanical integration
- doing software integration
- testing
One more question, did you build a multi-disciplinary team or did you teach yourself mechanical, electrical and software engineer?