In the mental model I now use for starting your hardware endeavors, there are 5 "gates" to pass through:

This Smart Guide accompanies each gate with a series of specific questions resources and advice. My goal is to help you deliver a hardware product with the least amount of missteps, back-pedaling, and pain. So go on and give FitBit, Nest, and Apple the run for their money. Not only can you do it, the world needs you to do it.