03 Jun Busting the Myths Surrounding Prototype Development
Prototyping is an essential development stage of virtually any new product. It’s especially beneficial in scenarios when it’s necessary to showcase an idea to investors or stakeholders, show a customer how a new idea could benefit their business or prove that refining a current product would be worthwhile.
However, some of the traditional views surrounding the creation of prototypes have become outdated. Namely,
- That prototyping is expensive and not cost-efficient.
- Creating a prototype is a lengthy process.
- The cost of prototyping doesn’t add value to an idea or concept.
- Creating a prototype is too complicated.
While these might have been true a few decades or even six or seven years ago, the same doesn’t hold true today. This is thanks to many technological advances that have overcome many of the stumbling blocks surrounding the ease of prototyping.
Debunking myth #1: prototyping is expensive and not cost-efficient.
There’s no denying that before the development of advanced processes, such as CNC machining, precision engineering and 3D printing, the creation of parts was expensive and lengthy. Today, thanks to the relatively low cost of part creation using such processes, even the smallest adjustment of elements can be easily implemented during the product development phase.
Therefore, by the time a working model is required to showcase to investors or shareholders, most of the costs have already been managed. By using less expensive parts and the latest tech, a prototype can be easily and fairly cheaply brought to life to demonstrate its viability to move on to full production.
Debunking myth #2: creating a prototype is a lengthy process
These same technical advancements mean that a prototype can be created in a very short amount of time. With processes, such as 3D printing, part production can be as short as minutes, although complex objects can take longer – perhaps taking a few days or even a week to process. However, even these lengthier items still mean a prototype can generally be ready to showcase within timescales that couldn’t have even been dreamed of a decade or so ago.
Debunking myth #3: the cost of prototyping doesn’t add value to an idea or concept
While concepts can be demonstrated using the age-old staples of PowerPoint presentations, diagrams and a computer-modelled simulation, nothing beats the tactile thrill of handling a physical prototype.
This is equally valid for showcasing a new product to both laypeople and industry experts. Never underestimate the power of using all the senses to communicate an idea – and touch is as important as seeing and hearing when it comes to demonstrating a new or upgraded concept.
Debunking myth #4: creating a prototype is too complicated.
Again, the above-mentioned technological advancements have dramatically simplified the process. This means the design can be as complex or basic as you choose. After all, the goal of a prototype is to demonstrate the idea of the finished product, not to be an all-singing, all-dancing and perfectly working model.
The key to successful prototype development is to work with a precision engineering company that offers the latest technology to create the required parts quickly and cost-effectively.
SixDe is one of Australia’s leading experts in this field, providing both a professional design team and cutting-edge technology for the creation and manufacture of a wide range of industry prototypes.
Based in WA and supplying nationwide and internationally, SixDe offers manufacturing solutions, including CNC machining, precision machining, 3D printing and more.
Prototyping no longer has the barriers that prevented many an idea from making it to the design stage and into production. Get in contact with the SixDe team today to discuss the art of the possible…