Do you have a great electronic design idea that you are anxious to get into production and out to the masses? While there is nothing wrong with having an idea that you are excited and passionate about, unfortunately those aren’t the only ingredients to success. Bringing a concept through the design process to fruition requires a whole lot of steps, many of which anxious and impatient entrepreneurs considering skipping right over so that they can save time and money. But is that really a good idea?
Here we’ll be taking a closer look at the important step of creating a prototype. We’ll examine what a prototype is, and what the benefits are to creating one.
What is a Prototype?
Unless you have experience in design, then the idea of a prototype may be something completely unfamiliar to you. A prototype is a model or form of your product that you produce. It is meant to be a working example of the finished product that is then used to create all future models. The idea is that you can play around with the prototype and put it through rigorous tests.
If you’re using the standard design process, the first step is the concept and then the design, then you can create a prototype, and then conduct tests and inspections on it. Upverter, a popular hardware design tool, can actually take you through these steps and get you to the prototype stage even without any sort of prior design knowledge. It will also help you to figure out the many elements involved in the prototype process including the selection of materials, and how to actually order the prototype.
No Need to Visualize the Finished Product
When it comes to the benefits of creating a prototype, the first has to be the fact that you don’t have to visualize what your finished product will look like. With a prototype, you’ll have a physical product that you can hold in your hands and get a true sense of how it would work.
Identify Issues Before You Go to Production
Then there is the fact that you’ll be able to identify any potential issues and problems before you go into production. Obviously, this can result in huge cost and time savings, which can make or break your company. Whether it results in things like chancing up the measurements, colors, materials, or the actual design itself – the prototype can unveil all kinds of potential issues.
It Can Help with Funding
Another factor to consider is that prototyping can actually help you where funding is concerned. Many investors want to see a prototype first, before you go into full protection, as it helps them to feel more confident in their investment.
It Can Help with Filing a Patent
If you have plans of filing a patent for your product, then a prototype can help. Prototypes are often the safest, quickest, and best way to show the concept of your invention. Because the “first to invent rule” exists in the United States, you want to be sure you get to the gate the fastest.
Well Worth Investing In
This is just a small look at the many benefits in using a prototype, making it a step that is well worth investing in.
