Make sure to keep a diary of all your ideas. I know it may not sound like much, but it is really important to be able to put these ideas into words. There are three functions this serves.
(1) It allows you to remember them forever. After years have gone by, it would be difficult to recall every idea you ever had from the top of your head. It's best to keep a record.
(2) It allows you to sort through the ideas. You can sort them and categorize them easily if you keep your diary on the computer. You can also prioritize which ideas are the best. You might find that some ideas are really worthy of pursuing, and that others seem less impressive to you as you revisit them over time. Make sure to highlight and revisit the ideas that you find to be the most attractive from time to time, and add to them.
(3) It allows you to share your ideas. If it's actually a good idea, you CAN and WILL make a difference by sharing it. Just make sure you share it with the right people.
-College professors that study in the particular field related to the idea can be useful for giving you feedback, and allowing you to evaluate how good the idea actually is,(possibly even giving you a $$ estimate) as well as giving you suggestions for improvement, and further areas for research/exploration. You can typically find college professor's e-mails online at their faculty websites. If you already went to college, then start there. If not, start at a college that you would consider going to, and be sure to tell the professor that you would like to go to their college. Just remember to be polite!
-Business people working in the field related to the idea might be good to share with, although you should consider whether it makes sense to simply share the idea for free, or if it's worth pursuing on your own. (I'd say to pursue it on your own if it's worth more than $5,000)
-Administrative agencies are a good place to share ideas. There are literally thousands of rulemakings going on everyday, and administrative agencies are required to take public comments in the formal process of making some rules. Also, they are required to read these comments, so if your idea is actually good enough, someone will notice. You may find that someone is already working on your project! Basically all administrative agencies have a website where you can submit comments. Look in the contacts section if you can't find the public page, and send an e-mail to the contact person at the agency directly. Often they can tell you the best place to submit your idea/comment where it will have the most impact.
If you want to get paid for your ideas, then you should seek a lawyer (patent/copyright or negotiating an exchange of information for compensation, writing a contract, starting a business, etc...) You could attempt to negotiate yourself, but it's probably better to get someone that has had experience doing that sort of thing if there is any substantial amount of money at stake. Best of luck!
Is it normal to instinctively see something could be better...?...?
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Make sure to keep a diary of all your ideas. I know it may not sound like much, but it is really important to be able to put these ideas into words. There are three functions this serves.
(1) It allows you to remember them forever. After years have gone by, it would be difficult to recall every idea you ever had from the top of your head. It's best to keep a record.
(2) It allows you to sort through the ideas. You can sort them and categorize them easily if you keep your diary on the computer. You can also prioritize which ideas are the best. You might find that some ideas are really worthy of pursuing, and that others seem less impressive to you as you revisit them over time. Make sure to highlight and revisit the ideas that you find to be the most attractive from time to time, and add to them.
(3) It allows you to share your ideas. If it's actually a good idea, you CAN and WILL make a difference by sharing it. Just make sure you share it with the right people.
-College professors that study in the particular field related to the idea can be useful for giving you feedback, and allowing you to evaluate how good the idea actually is,(possibly even giving you a $$ estimate) as well as giving you suggestions for improvement, and further areas for research/exploration. You can typically find college professor's e-mails online at their faculty websites. If you already went to college, then start there. If not, start at a college that you would consider going to, and be sure to tell the professor that you would like to go to their college. Just remember to be polite!
-Business people working in the field related to the idea might be good to share with, although you should consider whether it makes sense to simply share the idea for free, or if it's worth pursuing on your own. (I'd say to pursue it on your own if it's worth more than $5,000)
-Administrative agencies are a good place to share ideas. There are literally thousands of rulemakings going on everyday, and administrative agencies are required to take public comments in the formal process of making some rules. Also, they are required to read these comments, so if your idea is actually good enough, someone will notice. You may find that someone is already working on your project! Basically all administrative agencies have a website where you can submit comments. Look in the contacts section if you can't find the public page, and send an e-mail to the contact person at the agency directly. Often they can tell you the best place to submit your idea/comment where it will have the most impact.
If you want to get paid for your ideas, then you should seek a lawyer (patent/copyright or negotiating an exchange of information for compensation, writing a contract, starting a business, etc...) You could attempt to negotiate yourself, but it's probably better to get someone that has had experience doing that sort of thing if there is any substantial amount of money at stake. Best of luck!