Prototype designers create working models for products in development, working with engineers and management. They create blueprints, oversee material purchases and construction, and present prototypes to management. Communication skills are important for progress reports and presentations to investors.
Prototype designers are responsible for creating working models for products under development. It’s about working with engineers and members of management throughout the development process. The work of these professionals often determines whether a company can successfully take an idea from concept to full production.
Prototypes are needed in every product, from clothing to computer chips. Next, exactly what a prototype designer does is based on the industry they’re employed in because skills and education vary widely.
While prototype designers may have a wide range of educations and skills, all prototype developers meet with members of management and other members of the design team at some point. They discuss the project at hand so you have a solid understanding of what the business needs or is aiming for. They also understand the major constraints the project must have, such as staying within a particular budget or the need to adjust the model later.
Once prototype designers know the concept that needs to pass into a physical product, they come up with blueprints, diagrams, or mockups for one or more prototypes. At this point, the designers have a visual representation of what the prototype should look like. This representation is useful as a reference during construction. Prototype designers use these materials to help management members understand what materials are available, what the costs might be for different versions of the prototypes, and what advantages and disadvantages exist in existing options. Management makes a decision on which prototype option to pursue based on this information.
Armed with blueprints, diagrams, or models for the prototype, prototype designers oversee the purchase of materials needed to create a physical model. They may also hire or assign technical workers to complete different aspects of prototype construction, such as painting or welding. In some cases, depending on a designer’s experience and the complexity of the product, the prototype designer may not have to assign anyone else and may do most of the work himself. Material purchasing and hiring decisions sometimes require designers to submit formal proposals or requests to members of management for approval.
Once the prototype designers have all the necessary tools and other resources, they begin working alone or with their teams to build the physical model. Depending on the product needed, the prototype could be full size or only a fraction of the weight, length and height that the final product will have. Designers must take into account safety regulations during the construction process, as well as labor regulations and any stipulations of the company’s contracts. Designers also have to test the prototype. If problems arise during construction, such as a material that doesn’t meet expectations, designers go back to the drawing board and troubleshoot.
After building a working prototype that they deem acceptable given the company’s needs and constraints, the prototype designers present the prototype to members of management. They demonstrate that all prototype components meet or exceed design expectations. The designers then begin working with production team members to move the prototype into mass build.
Throughout prototype development, management members often require prototype developers to submit formal reports on project progress. Also, prior to mass production, the project developer may need to present the prototype to investors or others who provide financial support for the production venture. This means that prototype developers must be comfortable and proficient in written and oral communications. Their ability to report highly technical information in an accurate and easy-to-understand manner is critical to project progress.
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