Prototype
A prototype is an initial model of a product that stems from an inventor's idea. It serves as a tangible representation of that idea, allowing for visual and physical testing, which aids in refining the concept before full-scale production. The term "prototype" is derived from Latin, combining "proto," meaning original, and "typus," meaning form or model. During the development of a prototype, inventors must consider various factors, including target customers, production costs, quantity, sales strategies, usability, and safety. These considerations help determine whether the product can meet market needs and succeed commercially.
Prototypes can vary significantly in complexity, from simple sketches to detailed, functional models. Rapid prototyping techniques are also employed, utilizing technology to create quick and cost-effective models based on computer-aided design. Often, the prototype undergoes multiple rounds of testing and redesign to resolve any issues, ultimately streamlining the development process and reducing costs. Once a prototype reaches a satisfactory stage, it can transition into final product development for market distribution. This iterative approach plays a vital role in innovation, ensuring that products effectively address consumer demands and preferences.
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Prototype
A prototype is an early model of a product. A prototype is born from an idea for a product. It is typically built, tested, and redesigned as necessary until an acceptable final version is achieved. Once a prototype is considered final, the product can be developed from it. The word prototype is derived from the Latin words proto, which means "original," and typus, which means "form or model."
Developing a Prototype
Inventors typically have an idea or vision for a new product or service, and a prototype can help convey this vision to others. A prototype can be felt, seen, and tested, unlike an idea. Making a prototype is the best way to bring an idea to life and help sell that idea to others.
Once an inventor has an idea for a particular product or service, he or she has to determine if the product will be feasible before building a prototype. Inventors should consider the following issues in the planning stages of a product:
- Customer: Who is the target customer for the product? Will the product appeal to a wide range of people or just a small niche? Inventors should carefully consider the customer base when developing an idea for a product. If a product does not suit the needs of enough people, it will not be successful.
- Cost: What is the cost of the product? How much will it cost to make? How much will it be sold for? This is important because an inventor has to factor in many expenses when setting a final price for a product. Manufacturers typically make products for one-sixth to one-fourth of the actual price a customer will pay. The price should include all expenses associated with a product, from manufacturing to packaging, marketing, and distribution. Additionally, when setting a price for the customer to pay, a person should determine how much a customer is willing to pay without setting the price too high and alienating potential customers.
- Quantity: How many products will be sold? Will people need more than one? This affects other factors, such as cost. Typically, producing large quantities of a product at one time is less expensive than producing smaller quantities multiple times.
- Seller: Where will the product be sold? Will it be sold at a brick-and-mortar store, by a distributor, or by an online vendor? Also, a person should determine how the product will be sold. Will it be sold as a finished product, or will it require assembly? There are many factors to consider in the sale of a product.
- Usability: How will the product be used? Will customers be able to figure out how to use the product? Inventors should ensure that a product has an intended use and that the product is simple for consumers to use. Safety is an important factor related to use. Inventors should make sure products are safe for customers to avoid possible litigation.
Inventors should also consider other factors. such as where the product will be made and how the item will be marketed and presented. In addition, they should conduct market research to determine how consumers will react to the product and how the product might fair against competitors.
Sometimes other concerns such as patent information, government regulations, legal issues, or other requirements will determine the answers to many of the questions that arise during the development process. An inventor should hire a lawyer or other professional specialized in product development to avoid any problems that could impede planning or production to save time and money.
Once the planning stage is finished, an inventor should write a business plan and include all costs and expenses. This will help the inventor determine if the proposed idea should be developed further or abandoned.
If an inventor decides to move forward with his or her plans, it is time to design the product and make a prototype. Prototypes may be simple sketches of a product, or they may be elaborate, fully functional models. People can make a prototype from various materials, or they can hire a professional to make a sample product that looks and functions exactly as the final product would. A prototype does not have to be exact or even work; however, it does have to turn the inventor's idea into something tangible. A prototype is usually used for demonstration purposes.
Some people use rapid prototyping to make prototypes. Rapid prototyping uses technology to create a model or part of a model by using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data. These prototypes can be put together quickly, and they show others what the final product will look like. Rapid prototypes are not made of strong materials. They are usually very fragile and typically cannot perform the functions of the final product.
Once a prototype is finished, it is often tested, redesigned, and improved several times. For example, an automobile part prototype may undergo many revisions and redesigns as it is tested to ensure that the item will work perfectly before it is produced. The prototype stage saves time and money by fixing any issues early in the development process. Once this stage is complete, manufacturers can produce the final product for sale.
Bibliography
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Monosoff, Tamara. "Creating a Product Prototype." Entrepreneur. Entrepreneur Media, Inc. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/80678
"The Product Development Process." Synthesis Engineering Services, Inc. Synthesis Engineering Services, Inc. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. http://www.synthx.com/articles/product-development.html
"Rapid Prototyping: Introduction." eFunda. eFunda, Inc. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. http://www.efunda.com/processes/rapid‗prototyping/intro.cfm
Rouse, Margaret. "Prototype." SearchManufacturingERP.com. TechTarget. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. http://searchmanufacturingerp.techtarget.com/definition/prototype