Before you can take the marketplace by storm, you need to ensure your product will perform as expected.

In order to do that, you need to have a prototype created. It will help you to uncover the best strategies for your product’s design, performance, programming, etc.

You wouldn’t turn in a college paper without going through several rounds of rough drafts, right? The same methodology applies here.

However, if you’ve never had a prototype created before, you might be wondering how to go about doing that.

Here is how to make a prototype that your company can use to study and refine your next big product.

1. Sketch Your Idea

There’s a common misconception out there that you need to be some sort of engineer to sketch up a product. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Anyone with any level of experience can sketch up their ideas and come up with a few designs they’re thinking through. The important thing is to draw up as much as you possibly can, all mistakes can be corrected down the line.

Also, be sure to write down as many different features and ideas as you can in order to get your thoughts out of your head and on to paper.

You can also take pictures of different products that are currently on the market in order to present concrete features.

For example, say you’re interested in designing your very own baseball bat. You might print off a few pictures of current bats on the market to relate your ideas to their grip pads, material, shape, length, weight, colors, etc.

Be sure to research more brainstorming strategies if you’re having a tough time putting your thoughts into context.

2. Build a Virtual Sketch

For this part, you probably will need someone with an engineering background. They will be able to use modern technology to create a 3D rendering of your idea.

Better yet, they’ll probably have access to the necessary devices as-is, thus saving you money from paying for it yourself.

The idea here is to take your sketch and bring it to life on the digital screen. The virtual sketch will help you work out intricate details about the product such as its performance, design, size, weight, and materials.

Ideally, you want the virtual prototype to be so incredibly detailed that it’s easy for a prototype manufacturer to develop exactly what you’re looking for.

If you don’t have an engineer handy, then you might be able to have someone with graphic design experience help you out. Although they might not be able to help with the performance of your prototype, then can help you with the software to build it.

The virtual prototype stage is a lifesaver. It allows you to communicate and build your dream product before spending thousands of dollars on a prototype.

3. Create a Handmade Sample

Now that you have your virtual prototype ready to go, it’s time to try and bring that creation to life in a miniature replica.

The more examples you can give your future prototype manufacturer, the more accurate and successful your prototype will be.

For that reason, it might be a good idea to build a miniature version of your prototype by your own hands. 

A common practice is to make your model out of clay, showcasing the different details of your design. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. As long as other people can tell what you’re creating, that’s all you’ll need!

4. Find a Prototype Manufacturer

The prototype manufacturing industry is vaster than you might imagine. For that reason, you will want to make sure and find a manufacturer with integrity.

You want to ensure that they’re dedicated to delivering detailed prototypes and have the experience and know-how to get the job done.

Better yet, an experienced prototype maker can make recommendations on your design such as materials to lower the cost. 

Be sure to gather several different candidates that you might consider going into business with. From there, take the time to learn about their processes and whether that process is elaborate enough to meet your needs.

See here for more information on what a prototype process should look like and how it can help you create a new ground-breaking product for your industry.

Ideally, you want your prototype maker to eventually become your mass production manufacturer. Be sure to consider the future in your decision.

5. Have the Prototype Built

Now after all of that hard work, it’s finally time for you and your manufacturer to make the physical prototype.

Try to remember that your prototype won’t come out fully flawless after the first go-around. There will be many mistakes you can identify along the way.

For that reason, you might consider having the first round or two of prototypes be made of less expensive material. 

As you draw closer and closer to your final design, you can start to purchase the real materials that you’ll use for the real thing once it hits the market.

How to Make a Prototype: Consistency and Dedication

Now that you’ve seen how to make a prototype for the very first time, it’s time for you to get started! 

Start by sketching up all the different ideas that are coming to your head. The more ideas that you put on paper, the more efficient your final product will be.

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on prototype production, as well as many other helpful topics!