Prototyping is a critical step in new product development. High-quality prototypes provide invaluable insights into design, function, manufacturing requirements, and user experience. They reduce risks, save time and money, and increase the odds of success when a product finally launches. However, creating near-perfect prototypes is challenging and requires navigating issues around materials, tooling, costs, and more. This article covers the traits of a great product prototype and best practices for prototyping new products.
Traits of the Perfect Product Prototype
Accurate Representation of Design and Function
It must accurately represent the final design’s geometry, features, and specifications. Make sure that all functionality and performance attributes work as intended.
Proper Material Selection
Ensure that the product is constructed from materials that emulate the properties of intended production materials. Don’t cheap out on your first big production with poor materials.
Precision in Measurements and Tolerances
As the production manager, you must ensure the product is also precisely machined or built to achieve tight tolerances and high-quality fit and finish.
Clear and Easy-to-Understand Documentation
Your production process must also be accompanied by documentation that fully defines the design, dimensions, functionality, and development process.
Durability and Longevity
Make sure your prototype is durable enough to withstand testing in actual or simulated use environments. You can’t have it break apart when a focus group tries it out for the first time!
Functionality and Performance
Through trial and testing, ensure that the prototype meets all technical and performance requirements for the product.
Aesthetically Pleasing Design
The prototype shouldn’t just work well but should look pleasing too! Make sure the aesthetics and ergonomics of the design are appealing and user-friendly.
User-Friendly and Intuitive
The prototype must be Intuitive and easy to understand for the target user. It is especially important during the trial stage, where your target market is testing it. Minimal instructions will be needed here.
Cost-Effective and Feasible for Production
Make sure your prototype is even realistic for mass production regarding cost, manufacturability, and industry standards. Don’t get too excited about creating a prototype you can’t sustain throughout the process.
Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations
Is your prototype compliant with all relevant safety, health, and regulatory standards for the product type? Answer this question before any public launch to avoid legal issues in the future.
Challenges While Creating Product Prototypes
Material Sourcing
Selecting and sourcing materials that meet functional and visual requirements can often get complicated for new manufacturers in the industry. Both standard and custom materials are needed if you wish to succeed.
Manufacturing Process and Tooling
Finding an ideal manufacturing process and tooling method to achieve precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness can get difficult. That is why many new business owners try outsourcing to prototype specialists through prototype tooling services.
Cost and Budgeting
Develop a realistic budget for prototyping costs. It should include materials, labor, tooling, testing, and multiple iterations. Costs can be higher than expected.
6 Best Practices for Creating Product Prototypes
Begin with Clear Objectives and Requirements
Begin with a clearly defined set of objectives and design requirements for form, function, and performance. Understand what is essential in the prototype vs. what can be simplified.
Utilize Rapid Prototyping Techniques
Use rapid prototyping techniques like 3D printing to build initial prototypes for concept testing and design feedback quickly. Then move into higher fidelity prototyping for engineering validation.
Test and Validate at Each Stage of Development
Test each prototype rigorously and get user feedback to determine design modifications needed before further development. Verify that all key requirements are met before major investments are made.
Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams
Facilitate collaboration between industrial designers, mechanical engineers, manufacturers, and end users. Bring in stakeholders early and frequently to minimize miscommunications or build failures.
Consider Manufacturing Feasibility
Consider the practical requirements for mass production processes and tooling when designing prototypes. A design that proves difficult to manufacture efficiently will not reach its full market potential.
Refine Based on Feedback
Refine and enhance prototypes iteratively based on test results, user feedback, design improvements, manufacturability enhancements, and cost reduction opportunities. Make incremental changes until the optimal solution is achieved.
Conclusion
With diligent planning, technical expertise, rapid learning, and cross-functional collaboration, companies can create prototypes that accurately represent product designs, meet objectives, and reduce development risks. The best product prototypes facilitate innovation and build confidence in a product’s market success. By following proven best practices for prototyping, teams can maximize their efforts and investment in new product design and development.
