A prototype represents a product idea and is essential for identifying design flaws and gathering customer feedback before market launch. The prototyping process involves clarifying objectives, assessing design, testing functionality, and ensuring components fit together. Cost considerations and potential self-manufacturing of basic models are also important steps in the prototyping phase.

1. CREATE A PROTOTYPE

2. PROTOTYPE
A prototype is a representation of a product idea
Several prototypes are likely to be built, assessed
and tested before a product comes to market.
Prototyping lets you correct design faults and get
feedback from potential customers on your
product usability and performance.

3. STEPS

4. A. Be clear about why you need your prototype.
 assess your product form and appearance - for market-
testing and to make certain you are happy with the overall
design;
 test function - to physically test parts to check they work and
have been designed correctly;
 check fit - to make sure all designed components fit together
correctly;
 use prototyping as a form of low-volume production.

5. 1. SELECTTHETYPE OF
PROTOTYPE

6. B. Decide what you can afford to spend
Professional prototyping costs can vary
widely
Ask for quotes and details of timescales
from a selection of prototype
manufacturers.

7. C. Make basic models yourself to assess the
appearance and functionality of your idea