Prototyping

The purpose of a good prototype is to provide a functional, lifelike depiction of the product that can be used to test aspects of the product's design during the design process. Prototyping techniques vary depending upon both the product being designed, and the stage of the design process that the prototype is being used for.

We are experienced in producing prototypes using a wide variety of materials and techniques such as SLA (stereolithography), CNC machining and foam models; we work with a variety of specialist sub-contractors to highly customised prototypes where required. Prototypes can provide an invaluable tool to help refine a product's user-interface, aesthetic or other attributes. This can occur at almost any stage of the design process – from examining a range of different concepts to testing functionality and assessing how you might finally manufacture the end product.

Not all our designs are prototyped but it is something we strongly recommend, particularly if there is a relatively high cost of manufacture. While we can make a lot of assessments using 2D and 3D modelling, nothing beats the hands-on assessment of a product's function and form that you get from physically touching it.

Money spent in prototyping is often ultimately saved by making the design even more cost-effective to manufacture going forward. It can also be critical to secure investor funding as a physical form is far more finance-friendly than just a great idea.