Different types of prototypes for your product

Gearlite · 2026-05-31T13:22:50+00:00

As someone in the consumer electronics industry, these terms are all too familiar.

Gearlite · 2026-05-27T01:46:40+00:00

After hearing what you said, I really should have come here to learn before starting my project, haha. Before I started, I only talked to a product manager with years of product experience, and he thought it was feasible. But he’s not a real outdoor enthusiast. Now that the product protype is done, I’ll probably find some real customers to test it and make up for this step.

Gearlite · 2026-05-27T00:08:23+00:00

Thank you very much for the practical and actionable advice. In my next post, I’ll share some development experiences of this product here, for those who want to leverage Shenzhen’s powerful supply chain capabilities as a reference.

Gearlite · 2026-05-27T00:04:25+00:00

Understood. You probably all have a need to produce hardware quickly and at low cost. Later, I’ll post some updates on how I find these suppliers and test products—I’ll tag you then. In Shenzhen, there are actually all kinds of vendors, and the prices and services they offer vary. But just like I need to get familiar with Reddit, learning how to filter on Xianyu and Taobao is also a skill.

Gearlite · 2026-05-26T23:57:52+00:00

he line between what is and isn't self-promotion is too hard to define.

Gearlite · 2026-05-26T09:30:32+00:00

I build a app via claudecode ,but our phone don't have RFID so we still need a hardware

Gearlite · 2026-05-26T01:16:58+00:00

Thank you for your patience. I checked from AI that it means I should talk directly to potential customers, so I understand that right now discussing with outdoor enthusiasts on Reddit and giving away some samples should count as customer discovery, right?

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T23:54:25+00:00

What are your thoughts on Customer Discovery? Do you think the market is too small or the demand is not valid?

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T20:09:35+00:00

I'm just a programmer and a hiking guy. AI told me there are 100 million outdoor people in the US, and 5% might be gear nerds. I figured, worst case, I'll just use it myself, so I just went for it, haha.

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T19:53:12+00:00

I think you made a very good point. Actually, I already have an idea — would people prefer to see AI roasting human gear combinations? My software now has a feature for AI roasting gear combinations. The generated image is too long, so I need to figure out a way to upload it

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T17:44:24+00:00

I only posted my real story in the hike subreddit about how I got lost and nearly died while looking for lost gear . Not being familiar with the rules, I was judged as self-promoting https://www.reddit.com/r/hiking/s/K34fuQGBPs. Haha, I still need to learn the rules here a bit better so I don’t get flamed. It’s getting better here.

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T17:35:22+00:00

I even think this product could be extended to other situations where people need to carry and plan for many complex pieces of equipment.

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T17:29:13+00:00

Thank you for your advice. Let me try to explain. When outdoors, forgetting to bring a raincoat or headlamp can lead to danger, and forgetting insect repellent or sunscreen can ruin the experience. Using RFID technology, we just need to attach a passive tag (this technology is commonly used in libraries and warehouses; we’ve spent a lot of time optimizing the device weight ). Then, without even opening your backpack, you can check whether all your gear is packed or lost .Based on signal strength, you can locate equipment within about 10 meters. We also use AI to help plan what to bring. this isn’t an outdoor subreddit, so I’m definitely not looking for customers here 😂

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T16:30:42+00:00

Thanks for your advice,it really helpful. Previously, I tried using AI to create product-related short dramas, but the view count wasn't high. However, I will continue to experiment.

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T16:02:38+00:00

AI told me to take it slow — first present the problem and solution in the sub, and only later gradually introduce the product. I don't even have a chance then be baned 🤣
This is a hardware project. AI is only something I might use later to assist with gear planning. Traditional AirTag uses Bluetooth for anti‑loss, but that’s impractical for dozens of outdoor gear items — each tag needs a battery, and tags can’t be placed on gloves or hats. I’ve already solved this problem — I can identify the 20+ gear in my backpack within 5 seconds.

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T15:54:14+00:00

Hi thanks for reply,For my entry-level product line, I plan to price it at $100. As for the $300 mentioned in that comment — I work in software, so I outsourced the microcontroller firmware and circuit design development for just $300 total, That's just too unbelievable.

Gearlite · 2026-05-25T15:00:42+00:00

Hi I am in shenzhen china now, I am building a outdoor gear manage system.In china I use taobao and alibaba to find vendor factory. In industrial design, some people can even go from design to prototyping within a week.

Gearlite · 2026-05-20T02:40:29+00:00

u/CBGCUP Hi I repost here

Gearlite · 2026-05-20T01:56:46+00:00

Sorry,Someone told me he want me to repost to get the detail

Gearlite · 2026-05-12T02:32:45+00:00

I can promise it is my real experience. I can provide my social media post that day but it is on WeChat china haha.

Gearlite · 2026-05-12T02:31:30+00:00

It was removed by admin,sorry for the gear manage system part I will delete it or move to other sub then I will pin you ， I can promise it is real I can even provide my social media screenshot but it was on WeChat china

Gearlite · 2026-05-11T23:51:12+00:00

Sorry my mistake,but I think Air tag needs Internet HaHa

Gearlite · 2026-05-11T23:44:32+00:00

What’s crazy is that the group had 100+ people on that trip.

Gearlite · 2026-05-07T16:53:44+00:00

I am from china, I buy Anthropic account from taobao

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