How Product Prototype Development Can Increase Your Credibility and Impress Your Financiers 

Nowadays, every Tom, Dick, and Harry dream to be a businessperson, pitching their newest and greatest new product idea, and searching for someone to lend them money to bring it to life. However, serious confusion arises for investors / financers, as it becomes complicated for them to differentiate between the “Serious Players” and “Wannabes”. If you are an entrepreneur with a new breed of product idea in your mind, then product prototype development is the best way to impress your financers in a single attempt. Product prototyping illustrates your seriousness towards your concept and motivates your potential financers to have a deep appreciation for your concept.

Here are the key elements that as an entrepreneur, you can achieve by developing a product prototype, which are, in fact, the reasons that investors will offer you a completely higher level of credibility as they appraise your startup for funding:

A Prototype Validates your Opportunity – When you wave your arms in the air to explain your upcoming product, everybody perceives what they want to perceive, and it appears awesome. With a fully functional product prototype, you can demonstrate your concept in the real time, you can get accurate reviews from the potential end-users, conclude whether the product is meeting their needs or not, and how much they are ready to pay for your products. Product prototyping is the must step before you invest thousands of dollars for bulk manufacturing.

Quantify the Implementation of Challenges – Most ideas that we come across everyday sounds awesome, but are practically not feasible, or are complex to execute in the existing business scenario. Building a product prototype allows both, entrepreneurs and financers test the feasibility of the concept and allow them to probe the real world challenges. Theory and visions are especially hard to implement. A working model of your concept is real enough to convince your financers and partners.

Give yourself time to pivot without fatal consequences – It does not matter how sure you are about your concept theoretically and practically; a time comes when you have to make certain modifications to match the end-users’ requirements. Every entrepreneur has to accept the realities of continuous change in the current market, and it is very easy to make changes / modifications in the pre-production prototype than to dump unsold inventory.

Shows your commitment and dedication towards your concept – A fully functional prototype of your concept forces your investors to take you and your idea seriously. In fact, the process of designing, developing, and validating a product prototype radically decrease the risk, and encourage everyone to refine the actual costs of going into bulk manufacturing.

Triggers initial communication with distributors and vendors– A working prototype is highly appreciated and influencing compared to a written specification of your concept when you communicate with your potential financers about developing, support, and publicizing. An entrepreneur needs a fully functional prototype to influence the financers and partners.

If you are not skilled enough or are not comfortable to develop a prototype by yourself, then it is time to find and hire a product prototype development company (just like GID in California) that has the expertise and experience to execute the job in the most professional manner. Try to find and hire a local product prototype development company; because hiring the services of a company located outside your country could be hard to manage.

Overall, developing a product prototype is still an impressive way to bring your concept to reality and to impress your potential financers, partners, and customers. There are hundreds of commercial resources available on the web such as GID, which is an established product design and manufacturing company based in the USA. Until today, they have served different industries, including medical, automotive, agriculture, construction, security, and to name the few.

If you require any sort of help, advice, or prototyping assistance, then call GID at 714-323-1052 to talk to our prototyping experts. You can also visit our portfolio to explore our potential in the field of product design, product manufacturing, and product prototyping: https://www.gidcompany.com/our-portfolio/

5 tips for a Successful Product Prototype Development

Are you ready to test your new product concept’s real-world functionality and appeal? With hundreds of advantages, product prototype development is necessary for every business, either small or large. GID, a new product design and development company offers some tips on product prototyping and on how to get your concept ready to launch.

1.   Are you a newbie? Then, start from here:

If you are a newbie or are developing a new product for the very first time, then make sure you know and can explain exactly what you want from your product development company in detail. You have to educate and prepare yourself on the process so that you understand what the company, you hired for product development, is talking about. A virtual prototype is not the same as a prototype; however, some product development companies try to sell them as such. Therefore, it is necessary that you understand the vocabulary to ensure you are getting what you exactly want.

2.   What will you ask your product manufacturing company?

You can investigate a company’s reputation over the internet; therefore, ask for their portfolio to find out what sort of projects they have done and who are their clients. Most importantly, opt for a product manufacturing company that has the experience and skilled workforce to develop and deliver everything you need. For example, the smoke alarm is not an excessively challenging product to develop; however, there are some complicated issues that need to be addressed professionally.

You may find an affordable product development company that can easily address the outer case; but they might probably know nothing about electronics or may be inexperienced in handling electronic issues. For the sake of successful prototype development and bulk manufacturing, you need to find a company that excels in every aspect of product development. Also, keep the design of your product to be developed in mind because, you won’t be happy with a retro designer if you are looking to design something trendy and stylish for today’s generation.

3.   How to vet references for the product development company you hire.

You can cross-examine the references your product development company offers; however, don’t forget to call or visit the Better Business Bureau, before making any decision. You can call the references in the portfolio to find out whether their experience with the company was pleasant or not. Do some online search to see how long they have been in the industry, whether they have been in the news for any of their projects and what customers have to say?

4.   What about the time and cost for product prototype development?

It is always difficult to nail down a new product development project as it depends on many factors, especially manufacturing charges. A product prototype development company may charge you on an hourly basis or on a project basis. A complex project idea will require more time and people; hence, the overall manufacturing cost may go beyond your estimation. As a solution to this problem, communicate as much as you can with your company as it might save time and money. As you offer them all the details, they require to design, your flow and preparedness will eventually propel the pace of the project.

5.   What, if my invention just doesn’t fly?

Thousands of inventors have gone down this tactical path of product prototyping only to finish up with an interesting bookshelf piece. At some point, every one of us has to walk to the end of the board, jump off and pray there’s water in the pool. If not, there are many resources that can help you revisit or decide if it’s time to move on, including the United Inventors Association of America (UIA) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Whether you choose to move on or carry on, inventor education is the key to making sure you are guided in the correct direction.

The process of product prototype development not only offers life to your concept, but also allows you to test your concept before you begin the bulk manufacturing process. GID offers best-in-the-class product prototyping services to entrepreneurs and inventors who wish to develop and launch new products in a limited time frame. To explore our expertise in prototype development, please visit our portfolio @ www.gidcompany.com/our-portfolio/, or to share your concept, feel free to contact us @ www.gidcompany.com/contact-us

Product Prototype Development and Whether to Go for Prototyping or Not

Almost every day, a new product hits the store shelves with the aim to earn name, fame, and of course dollars in the commercial market. However, have you ever wondered what went into getting the greatest and the latest slotted into the market place. Every product, before you rest your eyes on them, undergoes a lengthy and vigorous evolution process. There are some quality checkpoints that a product to be developed has to clear on its way to hitting the market, and they are the product design phase, the product prototyping phase, and the final, bulk manufacturing phase.

For entrepreneurs¸ after you have an innovative idea for a new product, you need to determine all the details. Here we would like to share some practical questions, which you should ask yourself before you make any move:

  1. What are the new product’s attributes and characteristics?
  2. What is new in the product that others on the market don’t offer?
  3. What is the purpose or function of the new product?
  4. Do we need any new technology to produce the product?
  5. What is the product’s lifespan?
  6. How and where it will be manufactured, packaged, marketed and sold?
  7. How much will be the manufacturing cost, and how much will people willing to pay for the product?
  8. Are there any issues with the product concerning government regulations, safety, and environmental issues, patent infringements, or other possible hang-ups?

Luckily, if you get the green light from the above questions, you are perhaps ready to begin thinking about developing a product prototype. Depending upon your product design, different types of prototypes can be helpful at different stages of the product development process. If you recognize your product still has some concerns, for a while, you might experience difficulties between modifying design plans and rough prototyping. A product prototype development is extremely necessary before you move on to the final development stage.

Whether to Prototype a Concept or Not?

Product prototyping is nothing dangerous; it is just a process of creating a functional and easily alterable model that allows us to test the expected features of the product to be developed. It can be done at any phase of new product development. Normally, it is conducted before the start of the bulk manufacturing process to conclude whether the idea is achievable, beneficial for the targeted end-users or not.

A product prototype development at the beginning allows product development companies and entrepreneurs to conclude what specifications are required and what features are supposed to be included in a successful product. Meanwhile, by conducting prototyping, product development companies will have a chance to check whether a product is meeting all the features and specifications, and will have the opportunity to upgrade its characteristics for the better output.

Product Prototype Development, when conducted in later stage, helps in determining problems and possible solutions on the functionality of the product’s design. It allows key changes to be made and numerous solutions to be implemented just before the final product version is released. A product prototype can be used to lessen the communication gap between an entrepreneur and the potential end-users and financiers. Ultimately, it improves the chances of success.

Nowadays, prototype is also used to explain misconceptions about the product, guarantee output quality, handle modifications, address various product kinks, collect valid specifications, and to boost user interaction. For now, as the product prototype development is a significant stage in product manufacturing, ensure you do it at the right time and at the right place by using the professional tools to achieve a successful and usable prototype. Remember, only a successful prototype allows you to test the functionality of the product and evaluate a suggested product interface.

Conclusion

It is suggested to go for product prototype development, as it amplifies the rate of success. It allows entrepreneurs to compare different product designs, explore the results of design alterations, identify market requirements and involves end-users and financiers. It is necessary for an out-of-the-box product development.

Product prototyping can bring your product to life in style, as well as help you test the product before moving into the final manufacturing stage. Product prototype development services in California by GID are best for investors and entrepreneurs who want to develop and launch new products into the marketplace. To explore our expertise in prototype development, please visit our portfolio, or to share your concept, feel free to contact us.

Tips to Get Started with Your New Product Prototype Development

Year 2014 is in full swing, and we are sure that most of you would have formally or informally made some resolutions on your to-do list of the year. At the end of the day, most business owners would have vowed to get their product idea off the ground. It is quite easy to fantasize about a new product development and see your product decorated on store shelves; however, there are hundreds of backend processes that need to take place first.

Being a California based product manufacturing company, GID would like to take a moment to discuss some of the necessary steps you can take to get your concept out of your head and get a great “Works-Like” new prototype that will propel you on your way to success. A brand new product prototype development is a key part of making your concept a profitable reality. This is the product that you will put forward to your future investors to convince them. Here are some of the key points you should consider when developing a prototype.

1.   Get Started

As a first step, for product prototype development, you will need someone proficient in drafting software, such as CAD and its variations. First of all, generate a digital mock-up of your product that can be viewed on a 3D plane. Check, whether the connections, balance and angles are mathematically sound.

2.   Try to Keep it Simple

When developing a product prototype, remember that the fewer parts it has, the better. For example, if you are manufacturing an electronic prototype, ensure you don’t have too many complicated connections. If you are offering a physical non-tech product, make is artistically pleasing and simple looking.

Follow the thumb-rule – use as few parts as possible to develop the most consistent-looking design. If it is feasible to combine multiple components into one, then just do it. Try to keep your product simple, as it will produce a unique impression.

3.   Transforming the Digital into the Physical

Now, as you have an optimized digital prototype of your concept, move on to the next step and make it real. Following the diagrams you created on your computer, use cardboard, wood or foam to make a non-functional replica of your product. The process of developing a replica can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it is an important step to get the physical feel of your product. Once it is ready, you need to analyze it to find out whether it is the design you were aiming for or not.

4.   Transforming the Physical into the Functional

It’s time to convert your physical into a real product because meeting your potential investors with a piece of foam can be worthless. List down all the components you need. If it is a tech product, then double check its wiring or hire someone skilled in electronics. Visit your local stores, to purchase all the required materials. Fortunately, if you have access to a workbench and proper tools, then you can create a decent working prototype by yourself.

5.   Refine Your Prototype

Don’t worry, if your newly developed product prototype appears like a high school metal shop project. It is your first time; therefore, chances are it won’t look professional at all. However, keep the physical appearance aside for a while and test the functionality, because if it functions well, then you just have to polish the aesthetics. Possibly, you may need to generate numerous prototypes before you finalize one that is more in line, with what you had wished for in the beginning. However, once you do, you have a presentable prototype for your investors and also for the next production phase.

6.   Include Instruction

Once you present your fully functional product prototype to your investors, you will want to add a printed guide on its assembly. Carry two prototypes with you – one assembled and another disassembled, so you can demonstrate the innards of the product. Make your investors conscious about the costs of all the components and your prospective retail price. This will give them a clear idea of all-important profit margin. However, be careful that companies and investors may steal your concept if you give them too many details. To avoid such circumstances, you can draft a non-disclosure agreement by a local lawyer.

Getting started with a new / custom product development is sometimes a frustrating job. You can use these tips to get your concept on the way to market. Sketch your concepts, do some market research, and start developing some prototypes for your product.

We can help, if you need more information on product prototype development or custom product manufacturing. You can see some of our developed products.

For any kind of assistance, call us at 714-323-1052 or fill this form.

The Importance of Product Prototype Development for Your Innovative Idea

Most inventors of a new product are often so enthusiastic about their latest product that they immediately proceed for a quick production and launch. This strategy, however, is not the right strategy, and it will probably end up in a failure.

You might be wondering, what is wrong getting the new product idea into gear straightaway. You have done the market research and have the right data; you know that there is an excellent market for your innovative product; then why shouldn’t you quickly get your new product to the market and start maximizing your profit? Well, there is a simple and logical reason for not doing this. You do not know yet whether your new product actually works or not. You still do not know whether you can mass manufacture that product efficiently and cost-effectively. Besides, despite knowing that there is an excellent market (based on your market research), you still do not know whether your target consumers will accept the new product. Therefore, the best way to know that your product works and will be embraced by the consumers is to create and test a prototype first.

A product prototype development will take your amazing idea to the papers (you can formally call it blueprints) and then turn it into a real-life working model. A prototype is, in fact, a real working version of your well-thought-out product that functions or does everything the way you want it to do.

An eminent product prototype development company will develop a prototype using precise specifications as if the product was in production; however, they will not mass manufacture it yet, but will produce only a single item. One fundamental aspect of a working prototype is that it has to be designed and developed in such a manner that it represents the product, which can be mass produced before the launch, at an economical price.

 It all depends upon the type of new product idea you have in mind. Let us have an overview of each of the product prototype types.

Mechanical Prototype

A mechanical prototype is one, which we can define as physically made from some material and has some mechanics involved. All the materials used for this type of prototype have to be real materials and the mechanics used should be as per the specifications. These materials and mechanics will later become part of the product ready for the mass production. This type of prototype will help refine the product design and mechanics, and at the same time, help judge the performance of the materials you plan to use.

Software Prototype

A software prototype is one, which does not have any physical characteristics, such as online transaction systems or a simple product, like a website. Creating a prototype software normally involves two stages – developing an “alpha” version and a “beta” version. In the alpha version, the development company will gradually develop various software features. Once they develop the necessary features, they will change that alpha version to a beta version. In the beta version, the development company will perform various tests and adjust the software as per the desired results. Beta versions are often distributed to users in order to get some valuable feedback. Based on the feedback, creating an excellent final software product is possible.

Electronics Prototype

Electronics prototype is one, which involves constructing an electrical circuit using a stripboard, breadboard, and various other electrical components. Based on the theoretical design, a prototype development company will build an actual circuit in order to verify whether the circuit can perform the desired functions or not. To a theoretical electronics design, this type of prototype is a physical platform where debugging is possible in order to achieve the desired results.

Product prototype development is essential for three major reasons:

  1. A prototype serves as a basis for the actual product, which you can introduce in the market with maximum confidence and minimum risk. Besides, once you have a working prototype, you will now at least know that it is possible or viable to manufacture the actual product.

  2. A prototype is a real, feasible thing that can easily excite the investors. With a product prototype and the data from your market research, you can create an excellent business plan that will show the potential of your product in the market to the investors.

  3. A prototype is a working model of your idea that you can use as a basis for various marketing tests. With the working model, you will be able to conduct primary marketing research, which will indeed help you hone your approach to the market.

Points to Consider Before Product Prototype Development

 It is an early stage of product development and a prototype of a product is developed to test and trial a new design to encase precision by system analysts and users. As it offers specifications for a real and working system rather than a theoretical one, product prototype development is gaining immense popularity among the product-based companies across the globe.

Prototype Plays a Crucial Role in Product Development

Hundreds and thousands of new products decorate the store shelves every day; but, have you ever thought about how these products saw the daylight from the bare imagination. All of these products have underwent a lengthy evolution process before you rested your eyes on them. A custom product development process includes three major phases; designing phase, prototyping phase and the production phase. All the three phases are equally important; but, let’s focus on product prototyping.
A product prototype is a working model of your ideas, which allows you to test the pros and cons of ideas before it enters the market. Most products-based companies run through numerous prototypes while developing a new product as to get a clear understanding about, how customers will use it, and whether it will stand up to the expectations or not.

In most cases, the process of product prototype development and testing is repeated multiple times until the desired result is obtained. Each time, the product design is improved with stuff added or removed to outline a final and working prototype. The working prototype is the final version and is designed to manufacture the fully functional end product. A working prototype exhibits the final look, functions and feel about the product to be developed.

Points to Consider Before Prototype Development

A fully functional prototype helps engineers to create the final product with specified functions. However, there are some important points to consider before you start prototyping your ideas.

  • What will be your product’s attributes and characteristics?
  • What you want to offer via product that others on the market don’t?
  • What will be your product’s lifespan?
  • What is its purpose?
  • Is there any need of new technology to manufacture the product?
  • Where will it be developed, packaged, promoted and sold?
  • What will be the manufacturing cost, and what will be its price in market?
  • Whether your product is obeying government regulations or not?
  • Is your product safe and eco-friendly?
  • Is it going to face patent infringements, or other possible hang-ups?

Where Can I Go For Product Prototype Development?

As we all know, every product starts with an idea; but, bringing that idea into a fully functional prototype demands time, money, experts and a lot of hard work. Fortunately, there are some resources like GID who has the potential to bring ideas to life. GID is a product development company based in California filled with like-minded professionals who loves to collaborate and transform ideas into reality with rapid prototyping.

GID – Get it Done is a high standard product development firm that specializes in producing prototypes for plastic, production equipment, metal, electronic and many more. For more information, you can contact our professionals at info@gidcompany.com or Visit our website: https://www.gidcompany.com/our-portfolio to view our Product development Portfolio.