Product Prototype Development Process
Wondering how to develop a prototype product? Enki is an experienced prototype design company here to break down the various steps in the process. Done with discipline, realistic goals, and transparency at every step, an idea can be efficiently taken from the concept process to a physical product that can be tested for concept, performance, and other critical factors.
Why is Prototyping important?
Having a working sample of a conceptual idea is essential for numerous reasons. First, it’s a way to test it in real life. Does it work the way it’s supposed to? Are the materials used or the production method cost-effective, and can they scale?
A prototype reveals potential design flaws and room for improvement so that changes can be made before moving to the production phase.
A working prototype is helpful in market research. Potential customers can try it for themselves, providing valuable feedback on competitors, the prototype’s appearance, functionality, and other important factors.
How to Develop a Prototype?
Developing a product prototype begins with a well-developed concept. This requires a lot of brainstorming, research into market trends, and the like. Once it’s been firmed up, the engineers step in with recommendations on design and materials.
Next, the product development company takes all the specifications and begins to create a working prototype. There are several methods that current technology allows for a prototype to be made, quickly and cost-effectively. Enki Product Development uses 3D printing to build a durable, realistic prototype. Laser cutting can also be used to produce working designs that are more intricate, and photorealistic rendering allows you to see a product in a real-world setting.
Prototype Development Process
Developing a product prototype begins with “proof of concept” – also known as testing the idea. This requires a deep dive into data, market research, and future trends. A clear objective for the product must also be developed: how will it work and what problem(s) will it solve? Once those questions are answered, the engineers get involved in recommending materials and a design to achieve those goals.
Technology like 3D printing and laser cutting can be used to quickly create a working model. Rigorous testing and feedback from users offer refinements and improvements that are applied until the product works the way that has been defined.
Step 1: Preparation before prototyping
Once the concept has been tested and finalized, the engineers need to work out a design and determine the materials that will work, both for performance, appearance, and cost-effectiveness in the long term.
Step 2: The Importance of Clarifying Prototype Objectives
Clarifying the objectives is an essential step in developing a product prototype. This requires discipline and transparency from each member assigned to new product development in the prototype design company. This keeps every aspect – from engineering to marketing – in sync as the process moves along.
Step 3: Understanding the Importance of Proof of Principle Prototyping
“Proof of principle” is also “proof of concept,” meaning – the thing works! A working prototype allows for testing, refinements, and more research into the marketplace. Having a sample that accurately performs the defined objective is essential in making it market-ready.
Step 4: Creating the Mark 1 Prototype
A Mark 1 prototype brings together all the refinements and elements from previous design stages to create the first fully realized product development prototype. This is the one that’s achieved the stated objectives (although changes and new models may come down the road).
Step 5: Iterative Design and Refinement through Further Prototyping
Iterative design is collaborative, taking feedback from various sources to tweak the existing prototype and refine it through small, incremental changes. That leads to new and better prototypes.
Step 6: Enhancing Product Appeal with Styling and Branding
A prototype doesn’t just allow for testing a product’s functionality, it provides vital feedback on its physical appeal to consumers. Should the colors be changed? Does its “look” or design suggest branding opportunities? All of these play into market success.
Step 7: Importance of a Prototype in Product Development
Having a working prototype informs every stage of product development. It allows testing for functionality, consumer appeal, and the effectiveness of the materials used. It reveals potential issues and design flaws so that they can be corrected early in the process. A quality prototype is absolutely essential to the success of a new product.
Step 8: Navigating the Path to Manufacturing
A good product development company will use a prototype to uncover the best path to mass production. From materials to special processes, the prototype offers a roadmap for manufacturing in the most efficient, cost-effective way.
Common Mistakes When Prototyping
When a great idea is on the table, you’re naturally excited to just jump right in. But it’s important to have a clear goal of what this new product is supposed to do. All members of the prototype design company should be pulling in the same direction, offering regular input at each stage as the prototype comes to life. Feedback that comes too late can cost time and money. Also, it’s typical to become too attached to a specific prototype: a good product development company will encourage feedback during the process in a disciplined, realistic way.
Bottom Line
A well-designed prototype can move the product development process along much faster. Having a physical model that can be tested, researched, improved upon, and prepared for the manufacturing process is essential to success.
Taking the time to develop and create a solid prototype saves time and money, helping it get to market-ready status faster.
Taking the time to flesh out the concept, research the needs of the market, and create a well-engineered sample pays off in a smoother path to success. Enki Product Development has deep experience in bringing new products to market through a realistic, disciplined, and transparent approach.