How to Make A Product Prototype: A Detailed Guide
The product prototype is an essential part of the product development process. It’s the physical representation and allows for testing to ensure it performs as designed. The prototype is also necessary for market research, providing valuable feedback from potential users, and allowing for changes before the manufacturing process.
Prototypes can be made in a few different ways. Laser cutting creates intricate designs and components. 3D prototype printing produces durable models more quickly than old-fashioned manufacturing, while 3D photorealistic rendering reveals the product’s final visual design through color, material, and finishes in a digital manner.
Enki is a product development company that specializes in helping businesses and start-ups take their concept to reality. This typically means creating a prototype and then manufacturing it as part of the overall design process. We’ll make expert recommendations on the kind of prototyping that will best suit your idea, and then execute it on a clear timetable.
Understanding Product Prototypes
There are four basic kinds of prototypes.
Functional prototypes test how the product will work and reveal any initial issues in functionality.
Visual prototypes are merely meant to showcase the “look” of the product, including the color and shape. They don’t actually work.
High-fidelity prototypes are used for advanced testing.
Production prototypes are the last step, used for quality control and to fine-tune final manufacturing processes.
Key Advantages of Prototyping
Seeing your idea come to life in the prototype is exciting! It keeps you motivated in the development process and serves some very practical purposes. Prototyping is the standard way to test your invention. It allows you to gain valuable feedback from potential users, both on the concept and in its functionality. This creates opportunities for improvement which can make a big difference in its ultimate success in the market.
Having a tangible representation of your idea is needed when presenting it to partners, manufacturers, or potential investors. As a leading product development company, Enki is also in the business of prototype manufacturing. We make this essential step efficient and enjoyable.
Test and Improve Your Invention
The prototype is the first step in putting your invention to the test. It allows you to test how it works (or is supposed to), its visual appeal to users, and the like. These valuable insights let you make needed changes to get it just right before it heads to the manufacturing stage.
Stay Motivated Throughout the Process
As your idea turns into reality, the prototype keeps you motivated during all the other needed steps in product development: research, marketing, and the like.
Create A Tangible Representation of Your Idea
When you’re looking for a manufacturing company, partners, or investors, you’ll need a tangible product to present. A well-made prototype is an essential tool.
Gain Insights Into User Experience
The prototype is meant to show off to potential users. By testing out a functioning model, you’ll learn first-hand if it does what it’s supposed to, or if there’s room for improvement to make it more appealing.
Key Considerations for Developing A Prototype
As an established product development company, Enki knows that the prototype stage is where a lot of people get stuck. It seems so overwhelming.
We’re here to guide you through each stage, providing transparency, concrete milestones, and expert guidance. Here are some initial steps to consider.
Consult An Intellectual Property Lawyer
Once you’ve researched your idea, you’ll want to lock it down as yours. An intellectual property lawyer will recommend ways to register and protect your invention as you develop it further.
Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements with Collaborators
No product comes to fruition without collaboration. It’s important to ensure that those you work with hold your idea and related developments close to the vest. Non-disclosure agreements ensure that your idea can move along without interference (or worse).
Identify Cost-Effective Methods for Prototype Manufacturing
Prototype manufacturing has come a long way from the days when it had to be manufactured in a factory. Technology has made it possible to create working or visual prototypes much faster and more cost-effectively. Enki offers the latest methods to create a prototype, ranging from laser-cutting and 3D printing. We’re happy to make our recommendations on the most cost-effective method for your prototype.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Building A Prototype
Turning your Big Idea into an actual product begins with a little research. What’s the need in the marketplace? Who’s the target audience? Has it already been addressed, but could it be made better? What does it look like? Start with a basic sketch; you’ll move on to a more detailed digital version later in the process that can be used to create the physical prototype.
That prototype will be the basis for testing it in “real life” and for making various improvements until your product is ready for the manufacturing and marketing process.
Analyze the Market for Inspiration and Flaws
The saying is that “there’s nothing new under the sun.” That doesn’t mean you can’t make it better! Part of the prototype process is doing a dive into similar ideas and what’s succeeded (or failed). As a product development company, Enki explores the market, consumer trends, and more to hone in on the details that will make a successful product.
Draft an Initial Sketch
An initial sketch should indicate the look of the product, but also indicate any key features and what they do. In the end, what’s its overall purpose? This allows engineers to start thinking about the mechanisms to make it work.
Design A Digital Version of Your Concept
A digital version expands on your simple sketch, folding in functionality and more critical details that can be turned into the prototype.
Construct the Prototype
There are many new ways to construct the prototype. Enki offers the latest technology, including laser cutting, 3D printing, and 3D photorealistic rendering.
Iterate and Perfect Your Creation
Your prototype allows you to test it, both for functionality and user appeal. It’s a valuable tool that provides real-world insights that help to perfect the product before heading to market.
The Costs of Prototyping
Costs for prototyping depend on several factors, with the complexity of the product being the biggest cost driver. Other factors include the materials that are needed, and how high-functioning it will be; a mere visual representation, for example, will cost less than a prototype that needs to “do” something.
The number of iterations required also affects the cost.
Enki Product Development is experienced in developing prototypes and can make specific recommendations for your particular product. We offer affordable options like 3D printing.
Conclusion
A prototype makes all the difference between just having a great idea for a product and moving it to market-ready status. At Enki Product Development, we see firsthand how overwhelming and intimidating the process can be. As experienced developers, we have the institutional knowledge to lead you through every step in a concise, transparent manner.
We understand the ins and outs of these early stages: the legal protections, refining the idea through solid research, and creation of the prototype. We partner with you, establishing clear milestones to keep the project on track.
Once the prototype is done, we have resources for additional testing, manufacturing, and even marketing. Enki’s goal is to help you create a successful, market-ready product on an efficient timetable. Let’s talk!