Every successful business begins with a vision and a unique idea to provide a solution to an untapped market. But ideas alone aren’t enough to produce success.
One of the most costly and common mistakes a company can make is to decide that they don’t have the resources or time to create a prototype for their project. Instead of relying on trial and error, taking the time to develop a prototype can make a difference in the success of your venture.
What is a Prototype?
The weather app on your smartphone and your car have something in common. They both started with a prototype. A prototype is a functional, full-scale form of a new product design. It is used for designer and user testing as well as investor demonstrations.
A prototype helps a company learn what works and what doesn’t so that it can get a product to market quicker. Prototyping should be a vital step in the journey from concept to market.
8 Reasons Your Project Needs a Prototype
Prototypes don’t need to be pretty. But they must be a functional and accurate depiction of the product. Here are some of the reasons your project needs a prototype.
1. Adjust Your Design
A prototype provides much more than a concept on paper or a computer screen. With a physical version of the proposed product, you can figure out which aspects of the design, structurally and aesthetically, might need adjustments.
2. Fix Quality Issues
When you test your prototype, you’ll be able to identify any flaws before you roll out a full product launch. You can fix these quality issues as you create each successive prototype version.
3. Improve Product Integrity
There are always unknowns in the design process. A prototype allows you to test the product under a variety of conditions to determine its integrity and durability. You can make adjustments as needed.
4. Understand Your Costs
When you build a prototype, you gain insight into the true amount of materials needed, helping create an accurate cost-per-unit for the project.
5. Create Efficiencies and Savings
Prototyping allows you to closely examine your materials and processes to see if there are any ways you can create some efficiencies and savings by consolidating materials and labor or using substitution.
6. Adjust Your Tooling and Processes
Once you’ve done your prototype, you can analyze the tooling and equipment to see if there are ways to make the product better.
7. Secure Project Funding
With a prototype in hand, you can demonstrate your idea to potential investors. This shows them that your product is “real,” that it works, and it lowers their risk of granting you the funding you need.
8. Apply for Patents
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office uses the “first to invent rule,” which awards a patent to the first inventor of an item. Having a prototype is one of the safest ways to demonstrate your concept of an item.
Ready to Create a Well-Made Prototype?
Now that you know why you need a prototype for your project, the next step is figuring out how to produce one. Components by Design can help.
We specialize in CNC routing services and have over 15 years of experience with CAD/CAM solutions. Just bring us your ideas or design specs, and we will get to work creating your prototype. Contact us today to get started.