Prototype design turns a concept into a model, with the type and purpose of the prototype depending on the circumstances. There are many categories of prototype designs, including proof-of-principle, aesthetic model, and functional prototypes. Rapid prototyping allows for corrections and changes to be made with little cost and development time.
Prototype design is the process involved in turning a concept into an original model. Once an inventor works out the flaws and knows what the invention will need to work, the design process can begin. The type and purpose of the prototype usually depends on the circumstances. Designing a prototype is often called evolutionary. Many prototype design projects start as simple as building a rough model of the product using cardboard, plastic, and masking tape. More advanced projects build models that are functional, virtual, or 3D prototypes.
Designers, engineers, and product development professionals need to understand their designs’ weaknesses and constraints, as well as their strengths. Prototype mockups not only bring product designs to life, but also help others better evaluate the creation. The models are intended to provide people with the information they need to make decisions about the product. Many prototype designers try to replicate the properties and characteristics of the intended design as closely as possible. However, even the best prototypes compromise the final production design.
Initially, the prototype should be as simple as possible. Many people start by sketching out their concept with pencil and paper, often doing several iterations of the idea as they envision it. The goal is to break the idea down and make it as simple as possible. More complex projects may require the use of computer software. Once the concept has been developed, it is ready for the first phase of the prototyping process. Taking the idea from conception to physical good is called “reducing invention to practice”.
There are many categories of prototype designs, including proof-of-principle, aesthetic model, and functional prototypes. A proof of principle is a design model that proves that a component, new product, or end system actually works. This type of prototype must be strong enough to demonstrate the functionality of the product; however, this particular model is not required to replicate materials, visuals, or manufacturing procedures. Proof-of-principle prototype designs are often used to define components of concept options that will not work or may need further research and development.
The form study is a prototype design that may be the size, look and feel of the final product, but not functional. Many form study prototype models are made by hand or machine designs. Most are made from inexpensive materials and may not necessarily be representative of the texture, finish, or color of the finished product. This type of prototype design is usually created for the purpose of making internal decisions about the product.
Designers use aesthetic or visual prototypes when they want to simulate features such as appearance, color, and texture. This particular template is not intended to be functional and is usually used for photo shoots, market analysis or executive reviews. Functional prototype models are also called working models. They aim, as far as possible, to demonstrate the final model, including functionality, aesthetics, materials and other features. Generally, working models are scaled down to make them more cost-effective.
Another prototype design method is called rapid prototyping. It encompasses a set of methods that use three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) to build models or components. Engineering, marketing and production can be involved with the product from its inception. All these departments are able to evaluate the product at the beginning of the process and during production. This prototype design model allows corrections and changes to be made with little cost and development time.
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