If you have a concept of a new product in mind, the most important thing you can do to see whether it will work is to bring that product idea to life. In order to bring that product idea to life, the best and the safest approach is to create a prototype – a tangible representation of a concept or product.
Product prototype development may or may not be complicated, but it is certainly time-consuming. However, considering the end result, a physical realization of your product concept, it is certainly worth it to spend some time and efforts for product prototype development.
Here is a list of steps for how to create your product prototype:
Prepare a clear drawing of your innovation
It is all right to scribble your innovation on a tissue paper or a rough piece of paper – product ideas can strike at any time! However, make sure to keep that doodle safe until you make a clear drawing somewhere safe. From your rough sketch, draw it out clearly in a sketchbook. Include every detail, like how it will look, its dimensions, its surfaces, etc. Further, write down the list of features that your product will have.
If you know how to use CAD (computer-aided design) software, it will be very helpful to make a CAD sketch as well. It is obvious you will have plenty of drawings; hence, make sure to date them as it may assist you later on when it comes to patent ownership issues.
Build a non-working version
Using foam, plastic, wood, metal or any other materials you are comfortable with, create a non-working model of your innovation. A non-working model will let you gauge the size and form better than clear drawings that you drew in your sketchbook. A non-working model does not have to be perfect or pretty-looking, but it should resemble like your product as much as possible.
Create a plan for how to develop a working model
Once you got the non-working model, it is time to start thinking about how to create a working model. Consider the size, function and usefulness of your product. Think whether it will be of plastic, rubber, metal or some other material. Take into account the product’s important physical qualities. Think about its strength, flexibility and tactile aspects, for instance, its surface’s smoothness.
Make an exhaustive list of all the things you will need. Refer it as many times as possible to ensure you have not left out anything. This list will be very helpful when you decide to go to a product prototype development company; they will use this list as a guide for determining the cost of new prototype development.
Getting your working product prototype manufactured
Creating a non-working model of your innovation can be easy, but developing a fully functional prototype can be challenging. For that reason, you will need to reach out to a reputable product prototype development company. While working with a product prototype development company certainly is an excellent and sensible idea, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when partnering with them.
Sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
Before sharing your drawings, it will be in your best interest to get the NDA signed by your new product prototype development company. As the term suggests, it will prevent the company from sharing your concept with third-party or someone else.
Describe your concept thoroughly
Prototype development companies are experts; however, it is essential to describe your idea as clearly and thoroughly as possible to them. Tell them what you think, explain them about how your product should look like, how it should work, who can use it and so on. This will not only help them provide you an accurate quote, but it will also help them understand what you actually want and what you actually expect from them.
If you are looking for an experienced product prototype development company in California, the GID Company is worth giving a shot. With decades of rich experience in new product design and product development, the professionals at GID Company can help develop exceptional prototypes and test them. They can even help with the enhancement of the prototype and bulk manufacturing of the final product. Jim Grimes at 714-323-1052 8am to 5pm PST for a free consultation.
Learn more about GID Company by visiting https://www.gidcompany.com/
