Product Prototype: All You Need To Know

A prototype is a 3D design representing the actual design in the form of a sample for testing purposes. There are many types of prototypes, and each has a different role.

If you are on a hunt to find an understanding of what a product prototype is, and how it is made, the guide below is for you.

What is a Product Prototype?

A prototype is a sample version of the actual product. It gives the liberty to test the product before supplying it to the clients. It does work but only has the core features of the final product to analyze its design and performance.

Making a prototype saves time, and you can present your ideas to stakeholders and clients with less investment.

Why Do I Need a Prototype?

The main purpose of creating a product prototype is to save time and money. When you have already tested the product beforehand, you can safely invest in the high volume production. The risk of failure is also prevented. Some of the reasons to consider opting for a product prototype are as follows:

• You can validate the idea of your product and whether it will solve the customer's problem or not.
• The performance of the product is analyzed to see if it is up to the mark or not.
• It helps to make improvements to your design.

Types of Product Prototypes

The four different types of Prototypen are discussed below.

Feasibility Prototypes

Feasibility prototypes are meant to test whether or not a technical idea works. It creates a 3D model to see if it can handle the challenges in the real world. It is a kind of trial run that confirms if the design is practical to move forward with it or not.

Low-fidelity Prototypes

Low-fidelity prototypes are digital blueprints of the products. They offer a sketch that includes the flow and structure, ensuring that the components are in their right location. The main aim of this type of prototype is to ensure that navigation from one end to another is free of issues for the users.

High-fidelity Prototypes

High-fidelity prototypes are detailed models which are similar to the final product. The users can look and feel the product in reality. They ensure that the users can have a near-to-reality experience of looking at and using the prototype.

Live Data Prototypes

Live data prototypes are used to gather user interaction data in real-time. It is a kind of test drive in which the preferences and reactions of the users are captured. It helps with the assessment of whether the product aligns with the demand of the market or not.

Benefits of Product Prototype

There are various benefits of choosing to make prototypes before final production, and some of these are as follows:

• Product prototypes offer to boost market efficiency. You can analyze how customers would react to the product. By observing their reactions, you can decide on the demand in the market and the improvements the product may need.
• The chances of failure are reduced because, before the mass production is done, the problems can be adjusted. The demand can be gauged by whether the product has received a positive response or not.
• Prototype is a crucial stage in the journey of manufacturing a final product, and the areas of improvement can be analyzed. Hence, the final product is attained in a more refined way.
• Prototypes open room for innovations and you can discover new ideas that can be interpreted in the designs to enhance their efficiency.
• They offer cost-effectiveness for testing products. Rather than going on a full-scale production, you can easily have a sample of the product. This helps to save money, which must have been spent on the mass production.
• The potential users can access the product prototype and offer feedback about the product. Their suggestions can help improve the development of the product.

How To Make a Product Prototype in 7 Steps

You can make product prototypes by following the steps below.

Conduct Research: The first stage is where you research your prototype’s demand, and for this, you need to analyze the market.

Create Designs: You can create the initial sketches of your designs in the form of a 3D model, which helps in visualizing the functionality and appearance of the product.

Build Model: Create a simple model that has the core features of the product.

Design Physical Prototype: A prototype is created using methods like CNC machining and 3D printing to create a version close to reality.

Testing: The physical version is then tested, and feedback is gathered from the users.

Add Improvements: Improvements are made based on the suggestions of the users in the prototype, and then it is subjected to mass production.

Safeguard Design: Make sure to sign NDAs with the manufacturers to keep your product and design protected.

Practical Tips in Product Prototyping

The process of product prototyping is very crucial in the overall development cycle, and some important tips to consider are as follows:

• Always keep the process simple by opting for low-cost methods like creating low-fidelity models and focusing on key areas.
• Choose materials that are compatible with the prototype application and choose affordable, good-quality, and durable options.
• The main aim of prototyping is consistent iteration; hence, keep on testing, improving, and testing again.
• Involve the end users as early as possible so that you can get their feedback before making further investments.
• Keep everything documented, from changes to feedback and results for each testing round that takes place.
• Always test the product prototype in realistic conditions that will prevail for the use of the actual final product.

Applications of Product Prototype

Product prototypes have various applications, and some of these are discussed below.

Validation of Idea: Product prototyping allows to test and validate ideas and their feasibility before a large-scale production is started.

Functionality Testing: Functional prototypes help in testing the way a product will perform in the real-world. It also helps analyze if the product is durable and reliable or not.

Presentation for Investors: Prototypes are important when conducting meetings with potential investors. As they give them an idea of the functionality and look of the product, and compel them to invest.

Ensures Feasibility for Manufacturing: Prototypes allow for a check of whether the chosen materials and processes are compatible with the design and whether or not they are within budget.

Schlussfolgerung

Product prototyping is one of the crucial developmental stages that cannot be missed and also needs to be conducted very carefully. We at DEK offer product prototyping services based on your ideas and designs. We combine your concepts and our expertise to generate high-quality and functional prototypes that can help you assess your products.

FAQs

How much does it cost to make a prototype?

The cost of making a prototype can range from $100 to $30,000, depending on the risk, material, features, and functionality requirements.

What is the purpose of a product prototype?

A product prototype is a 3D model which shows the look, function and performance of the product.

What is rapid prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a method of creating 3D models of the actual product to assess them in a quick way.