Product Prototyping

AKSHAT SOOD

“Is a prototype ready?” is a question that is always asked by investors when they are being pitched. What is a prototype? and why must one make prototypes? Why are prototypes given value? Let us examine.

A prototype is a preliminary or initial version of a product from which other forms are developed. Or, it is said to be a working model that is based on the ideas of the final product, but with limited functionalities.

So, what is the need for a prototype?

A prototype proves useful in many ways.

First of all, it can be pitched to investors. Since a prototype gives an idea of what the finished product will look like, presenting a prototype significantly boosts your chances of impressing the investors. This is because without a prototype, the product is just a concept. Having a prototype makes it easier to make sales to potential buyers as it helps to manipulate marketing presentations. It also makes it easier for potential customers or investors to understand your product.

Next, it helps to evaluate and test the product’s design. In most cases, drawings of a design do not correctly represent the environment in which the product will be used. So, by creating a prototype, one can use a realistic version of the final product to determine the aspects that are worthwhile and those that need to be improved or removed. Prototyping also helps to clarify issues in production and costing. By building a prototype prior to production, one can get a sneak peek at the production process and hence decide if any steps need to be improved, changed or removed. This way, the production process gets streamlined and the cost of actual production is kept to a minimum.

By getting prototypes reviewed by customers, one can identify the aspects and features that customers may not need, or feel are lacking. There will also be instances where one may feel conflicted about which method to use, to implement a particular feature or features. By prototyping, one can easily and quickly conduct several different implementations, benchmark the performances and use them to analyse the pros and cons of each approach. This will ensure that you always make the correct decisions.

Finally, making a prototype is fun and rewarding. It is a golden opportunity to utilise skills that inspired your invention or your product, and to tap into your creativity. You’ll also get to see your idea being transformed into something real and tangible.

Therefore, it is wiser checking your product’s performance and feasibility through a prototype, than seeing the product fail when it is made.