Prototyping a product is a critical step in turning your vision into reality. It allows you to test, refine, and evolve your design.
However, there are several things to remember during the prototyping process that will help you achieve your desired outcome. Prototyping helps turn ideas into tangible concepts that can be tested and improved. Learn about these fundamental considerations that will help you explore solutions and make better decisions early on.
Before initiating the prototyping process, it's essential to determine the type of prototype that you need. For example, you may find yourself starting with a drawing of the product and eventually building something that is closer to the product’s full concept.
The choice largely depends on the stage of development and the specific insights you aim to gain. For example, a low-fidelity prototype may be ideal for concept validation, while a high-fidelity prototype is better suited for usability testing or demonstrating functionality to stakeholders.
Consumer safety should be at the top of your mind during every stage of product development. Ensuring your prototype complies with safety standards and regulations protects users and fosters trust and credibility in your brand. Identifying potential hazards early also allows you to take preemptive measures before launching the final product.
When you build physical models, it is critical to select the appropriate materials. These can play a role in impressing people during meetings. If you can afford it, consider using materials that will appear in the final product or similar ones.
For example, if you’re building a prototype for a product for the armed forces, the prototype should feature the same common plastics that are used in military applications. The right material can help prevent you from receiving a rejection from a future investor.
Something else to remember during the prototyping process is that you should test it with people outside of your department. Obtaining input from people who don’t work on your development team can reveal blind spots.
Individuals unfamiliar with your product will interact with it differently and offer fresh insights on functionality, design flaws, and overall usability. Conducting user tests or having neutral parties handle your prototype will help address issues you may overlook.
As you conduct thorough evaluations with diverse users to identify strengths, weaknesses, and usability issues, pay close attention to recurring patterns in the feedback. These comments often point to critical areas for improvement.
Balance user suggestions with your project goals to ensure these adjustments will enhance the product’s overall functionality without deviating from the original vision. Eventually, you will develop a product ready for launch, and you can start thinking about next steps, such as creating a marketing campaign for your new product, which will go a long way toward eliciting interest from potential investors.
The prototyping process provides the foundation for innovation and refinement in product development. Use these tips to help your concept successfully evolve from an idea into a tangible, functional reality.
