Starting today, as part of the new Eval process, there will no longer be a weekly Top Five, so there will also no longer be a weekly Top Five blog post.

Instead, you can take a look at all of the ideas that are Under Consideration right from the Participate page:

You can check the ideas that are Under Consideration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Well, here we go- in the coming weeks we hope to give the entire Quirky user experience a much needed refresh.

To start, however- we’ve addressed the heart of Quirky. The product evaluation process.

Today, the way we collect, curate, and choose ideas has completely changed. We’re confident that this is a giant leap forward. Is it perfect… probably not- that’s why it has “Beta” next to it.

Here’s what’s important:

1. Ideas now immediately go live after submission.
2. Ideas will each have 30 days to make it through evaluation.
3. At any point in that process, upon seeing positive traction within the community, the concept can be manually marked as “under consideration” by a member of the Quirky staff.
4. If your concept is “under consideration” the clock has officially stopped. You’ll be called by a Quirky Invention Ambassador who will work with you to understand everything there is to know about your idea.
5. We will pick several ideas each week from the bunch that are “under consideration”.
6. All ideas that are marked as “under consideration” will get a full report from a Quirky Invention Ambassador about why their idea was turned away (or selected).

Also Important

1. You can delete your idea from Quirky at any time throughout the process (with the exception of “under consideration”).
2. You can edit your idea at any time throughout the process.
3. Community members are now armed with several tools which will help you navigate the ideas that are up for evaluation: Sorting, Filters, Hide, etc.
4. If your idea is not selected, you can opt to have it included in a private Quirky archive. The archive is only viewed by Quirky staff and potential licensees under strict confidentiality agreements. The archive will allow us to remember your concept and contact you if we change our minds. It will also allow our newly formed Licensing department the opportunity to possibly procure a licensing deal for you.

We will be building collaborative tools into the early parts of product evaluation which will allow community members to help you draw, size up the competition, understand the market etc. We’ll be rolling these out slowly once we work out the kinks of the new system.

We are excited to test out what we believe to be a much more fair, easy to understand product evaluation process. We have also given our homepage a facelift- a nice simple greeting for new (non-logged in) Quirky users.

As always, we appreciate your feedback. Quirky is a constantly evolving organism.

Today we are implementing some small changes to our standard Terms & Conditions in connection with our changes to the Quirky Product Development Process.

You can download a redlined version of our terms and conditions here to see the changes first hand.

The following areas have been modified:

1. Idea submitters can now choose to either withdraw their idea (and delete it from our site) if the idea has not been marked as “under consideration” within 30 days following its submission, or place the idea in a private quirky archive, which can be shared with potential licensees, and/or be mineable if quirky is looking for a certain type of idea in a certain category of business.

2. Removal of pre-sale threshold concept. There will be major upcoming changes to the pre-sale system on our site.  For now, we’ll consider a product for production on a case by case basis.  Our goal here is to have many more ideas progress through to manufacture.

3. Addition of language in the privacy policy that would allow your information to be transferred in connection with a quirky M&A or restructuring/reorganization event (don’t worry, we have no intention of this happening any time soon)

Pretty straight forward changes, mostly centered around upcoming improvements to the quirky user experience.   If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

Eval recaps sum up the research and discussion that go into selecting winning submissions at Quirky. The info in recaps focuses on general landscape, opportunities and concerns, with a strong bias for Quirky’s business interests. We will not tell people what to do with their ideas if we do not choose it, but this info should give general guidance to submitters and other inventors who want to understand our decision-making process.

EVAL 187

Inventor: Timothy Houle
Selected: Lemon Juice Sprayer

Community: 19
D: 6
M: 9
V: 8
Staff: 14

Total: 56

Design liked the simplicity of this solution and felt that this had major wow factor.  Market felt that the uniqueness of this idea presented lots of wow factor.  They added that it would be easy to merchandise, easy to explain to customers and that we have the correct distributors.  Viability siad that we would probably partner with a spray bottle vendor to obtain the correct mechanisms necessary for this product.  As for patents, it seems that there exist patents exist covering this, so protection could be possible.

Inventor: Bernadette Weston
Submission: USB Wall Socket

Community: 32
D: 6
M: 2
V: 5
Staff: 0

Total: 56

Design  enjoyed the simplicity of the idea from the design perspective and as a simple solution to a common problem.  Market said that this product already exists in many different forms.  Viability noted that we might have some vendors who would be suitable for this idea.  They added that the product would have to pass ETL tested once finished and as for the patent landscape it seems this idea lies in the public domain.

Inventor: John Buczak
Submission: Mirror Image Taker

Community: 23
D: 3
M: 3
V: 5
Staff: 0

Total: 37

Design said that this idea had low wow factor and that there are computer applications that fix this issue.  Market said that this product would not fit with our current lines of distribution and they did not foresee consumer interest in this product.  Viability said that we would need to connect with a camera and glass vendors.  They also added that packing and shipping could expensive since we would be shipping glass.  Viability could not comment on the patent field at this early point.

Inventor: David Lightner
Submission: Microwave Rack

Community: 24
D: 4
M: 4
V: 6
Staff: 0

Total: 38

Design felt that this idea had some potential in the way the rack could adjust to accommodate different dishes, but they also said that similar products exist.  Market did not feel that this product would be the right direction for Quirky.  They also did not foresee consumer interest in this product.  Viability said that we have the appropriate for this, but the challenge would be in guaranteeing the stability of the final product with the materials chosen.  Also, since several similar products exist the final design would need to be conscious of existing patents out there.

Inventor: Ron Beaupre
Submission: Snow/Water Balloon Launcher

Community: 23
D: 3
M: 3
V: 6
Staff: 0

Total: 35

Design felt that even though toys like this have existed for a while, there do not exist any that function all year round. They added that it could be difficult to combine this functionality for two fragile substances.  Market said that this idea did not solve a problem and that it did not fit with our brand.  Viability said that we would need to find a vendor familiar with making similar kids toys. They added that they could not comment on the patent landscape at this early stage.

Inventor: OrdinaryGirl
Submission: Magnetic Picture Frames

Community: 23
D: 4
M: 2
V: 7
Staff: 1

Total: 37

Design said that this was a nice simple idea, but it lacked wow factor.  They indicated that it would be a good gift item.  Market commented on the saturated picture frame market and felt that this idea lacked the wow factor to get us into that arena.  Viability said that manufacturing strategy would depend on the materials used, but they indicated that the engineering should not be too big of an issue.  Also, based on the different products currently on the market, it seems as if this idea would lie in the public domain.

Inventor: Michael Davis
Submission: Improved Retractable Leash

Community: 4
D: 5
M: 5
V: 4
Staff: 0

Total: 18

Design liked this idea and felt that this could be useful for dog training as well as for domestic dogs.  Market liked the uniqueness of this idea as a solution, but thought that it could be difficult to explain to customers.  Viability said that we would need to partner with a vendor familiar with dog leashes.  They added that strength testing would be necessary and that based on the patent landscape, designing around might be needed.

EVAL 188

Inventor: Angelo Cacchione
Submission: Backpack/Lunch Box Combo

Community: 33
D: 4
M: 3
V: 7
Staff: 0

Total: 47

Design felt that this idea had potential, but thought that the reminder is too subtle especially if the child continually forgets their lunch. Market did not foresee costumer interest in this product and noted that we would have to get into kid’s fashion.  Viability said that we have the appropriate vendors for this product, but since there do exist certain patents surrounding rain protection and backpacks, design around might be necessary.

Inventor: Luke Martin
Submission: Compartment Lunch Box

Community: 32
D: 3
M: 3
V: 7
Staff: 0

Total: 45

Design had some debate with this idea.  They were concerned about how washable this product would be in the dishwasher and if kids would actually take to eating out of their lunch box.  Market pointed out that very similar products exist.  Viability said we could easily produce this, but it would have to food safe and pass safety testing.  Also, they could not speculate specifically on the patent landscape, but they indicated this idea may lie in the public domain.

Inventor: Peter A. Wachtel
Submission: Creative Lunch Box

Community: 27
D: 3
M: 3
V: 7
Staff: 0

Total: 40

Design thought that this idea lacked innovation.  They wondered if kids would get too distracted from eating with this lunch box.  Market could not foresee consumer interest in this product.  Viability said that if we used our Scratch ‘n Scroll technology this would be relatively simple to manufacture, however, there was a concern of the shipping cost.  At this early point viability could not comment on patents.

Inventor: Shannon Justice
Submission: Foldable Rain Shield

Community: 26
D: 4
M: 4
V: 7
Staff: 0

Total: 41

Design liked the idea of rethinking the umbrella to have less hinges and be easier to open/close for children.  Market felt that this could be an interesting product if Design knocked it out of the park, however, they did not think the ideas of the DT was a suitable solution for the back to school K-12 brief.  Viability said that we would need to find vendors familiar with making umbrellas and with those types of materials.  They noted engineering could be a sticking point, but the idea appeared to be in the public domain.

Inventor: Denny Fong
Submission: Improved Backpack

Community: 23
D: 5
M: 4
V: 7
Staff: 0

Submission: 39

Design noted that this idea had potential with helping kids organized, but wondered if this backpack would get too complicated for kids and fit into their lockers.  Market thought this was a unique solution to a problem, however, they felt that kids backpacks are oriented with fashion, thus it could be difficult to merchandise.  Viability said that manufacturing would be easy and engineering would not present an issue, but there do exist some patents around similar designs so some designing around may be needed.

Inventor: Guy Schiavi 
Submission: Convertible Laptop Case

Community: 22
D: 4
M: 3
V: 7
Staff: 0

Total: 36

Design thought that this product would solve a problem with which many people could relate. They felt, however, that this did not fit within the K-12 scope, but rather within the collegiate setting. Market said that this was a very niche market and reiterated Design’s point about who this product would suit best.  Viability said the manufacturing issues that present themselves surround the hinges and the strength of the attachment to a separate surface.  From a preliminary patent analysis it looked as thought there did not exist patents that worked with the design presented.

Inventor: J. Wiegert
Submission: Backpack Sensory Management System

Community: 14
D: 6
M: 2
V: 6
Staff: 0

Total: 28

Design liked the positive impact this product could present, but rather make this backpack specific to the need of the autistic, make it customizable for parents to suit their child’s needs.  Market indicated that this would be a very niche market.  Viability noted that based on the complexity and number of items included in the backpack could pose some engineering and manufacturing issues.  Regarding patents there seemed to be a few patents out there that the design would need to be aware of before a final design.

Notes and relevant links below:

(1) The new eval system is arriving very soon, and the entire community will be Beta testing it when it does.

(2) The Code of Conduct was just published (Official Blog Post and Forum Thread Discussion), and tools to follow.

(3) Quirky is actively looking for two more Community Ambassadors, and a Head of Community (community may be actively involved in this hire).  FYI: Current Community Ambassadors include Shirley, Rob, Andy, Bobby, and Chris.

(4) Invention Ambassador Report:
…(a) Inventors are now being contacted immediately prior to product launch.
…(b) Inventors should only contact the Invention Ambassadors (IAs andrew@quirkyinc.com and greg: gvanhorn@quirkyinc.com) and no one else. All other Quirks can contact questions@quirky.com.
…(c) Check out the “Questions the IAs will ask you” forum thread.
…(d) Let’s brainstorm more in the comments section of posts like this one.
…(e)Rachel Ray Finalists.

(5) Discuss and vote for the Quirky Conference.

Please discuss this report, and give feedback, in this forum thread.

Feel free to contact me at matt@quirkyinc.com.

Hi de ho, Quirky community! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, your newly minted Community Ambassador and humble servant. My name is Christopher Tran. I come from the Great State of California, aka the Best Coast*. In my spare time, I’m on a quest to find the perfect burrito in New York City. Unfortunately, I’ve already had to impose two moratoriums on this search due to crippling disappointment. In addition to wrapped food items, I love music, writing, and photography.

I’ve lurked around the Quirky community boards for some time and love how organic and amazingly committed all of you are to Quirky. This is a movement that I’m lucky to be a part of, and I’m extremely excited to be here and look forward to working with all of you!

If you see me around the forums, I am open to taking burrito joint suggestions and invitations to dinner. Seriously though, I can’t wait to help answer questions and solve problems.

*Author’s opinion only!

Stop waking up your roommate! Chirp is an alarm clock with a vibrating pillowcase clip to wake you up without disturbing anyone else in the room. The clock’s sleek design and curved tray keep small items close at hand. This is sure to start your day off right.

Paula Dorfman submitted the idea for a private alarm that would wake you up without bugging your roommate. Over 624 people came together to turn that idea into reality. Chirp is now available in the Quirky shop for $39.99 presale ($49.99 retail) with a threshold of 1700 commitments.

Features:
-Vibrating alarm clips onto pillowcase to wake you up gently and docks onto clock
-Backup alarm clock will sound if vibration does not wake you
-Backlit display clocks show time and scheduled alarm
-Smooth touch buttons on top and slide switch on side make for easy control
-Curved tray holds small items secure

Materials:
-Molded plastic body
-Rubber coated plastic clip

Dimensions:
-Whole unit: 6.25″ length x 3″ width x 2.5″ height
-Clip: 2″ length x 1.5″ width x 0.5″ thick

Here at Quirky, we’re not into setting a lot of rules for people to follow. But if you’re new and getting the lay of the land, it helps to know what other community members prefer. Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts, as defined by the Quirky community to keep the site positive and collaborative. Spread the word!

Do…
-Keep an open mind. We’re here to create new things, so take the time to fully consider people’s ideas.

-Give reasons for why you like or don’t like an idea. Criticism is fine as long as there’s something to build on.

-Speak up if you think someone is being disrespectful. Be kind if it’s someone new. They might just need to learn from a seasoned Quirk.

-Tell the world about Quirky, whether it’s an idea you submitted, a product you like, or just the overall process.

Don’t…
-Message people, start forum threads, or comment on submissions to ask for votes. That’s spamming and disrespectful to other people’s time and ideas. Plus, a lot of people actually rate ideas down to protest these tactics, so it might backfire!

-Get offended by constructive criticism. If someone is taking the time to explain what didn’t work about an idea, it’s an opportunity to address those points and/or revise that idea to be stronger.

Greetings fellow Quirks! Allow myself to introduce…myself. I’m Bobby, aka R2. I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Quirky team. Community members: I’ll be trying my absolute hardest to be a reliable resource for all your needs. If you have a problem, I’m your guy. If you have a question, I’m on it. Just want to chat about the final episode of Lost? I’ll be your constant.

When I’m not on the job, I can be found exploring New York City, looking for food and fun. I’m a writer, musician, moviegoer, and Emerson College alum. That’s right folks – I share an alma mater with Henry Winkler, Jay Leno, and Denis Leary. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to pick up all these names I just dropped.

Fun facts about me:
I once got picked to sing karaoke on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
I’m good at impressions. I do a mean Christopher Walken.
I’m pretty sure I invented this in 4th grade but somebody stole my idea. Ah!!

It’s great to (finally) officially meet you all. Don’t be a stranger!