5 tips for a Successful Product Prototype Development

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

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

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.