FIVE KINDS OF PROTOTYPES
Consider Your Own Product and Decide Which Prototype Approach is Best for You.
By Ken Tarlow
Design is an all-encompassing term which covers the way a product looks, works, and feels. In many cases, a well-designed product doesn't cost more than a poorly-designed one. It is simply more thoroughly thought out, more elegant and easier to use.
Keep those elements in mind as you work on the prototype for your new product. Let's take a look at the five kinds of prototypes.
1. Proof of Principle--This is the roughest, quickest prototype that demonstrates that the basic concept behind your product idea will work. It is not necessarily made out of the same materials as would be used in production.2. Full Engineering Model--This type of model demonstrates the basic concept as well as all the minor mechanical features of your design. It doesn't necessarily look beautiful but it does show how it's supposed to work. It should be made out of the same materials as in production, but that isn't absolutely necessary.
3. Appearance Model--An appearance model shows how the exterior of the product will look, however it's a "dummy." There are no working insides. This model doesn't have to be made out of the same materials as in production.
4. The "Looks Like, Works Like" Prototype--This model should be as close as possible to the real thing, and is most advantageous in a presentation to a potential licensee or investor.
5. "Looks Like, Works Like," with Umbilical Cord and Black Box--This is a model as above but with a cord coming out to an attached box that contains "bread board" electronics. The electronics may be made out of a number of stock I.C. chips and other components necessary to perform a certain function. The final electronics will actually fit into the product because of miniaturization that will happen when a custom or semi-custom I.C. chip is made to replace the many components in the "bread board" model. A potential manufacturer will easily understand this transition. Of course, it's best if you can stuff the electronics into the "looks like, works like" model.
If cost is a major issue, you can make an engineering model that proves the concept and then use a color rendering (drawing plus shaded color to look like the real thing) to give an idea of the final appearance.
NEXT ISSUE: More on Prototypes
The above article was excerpted from Ken Tarlow's MIND TO MONEY, a cassette tape/workbook package that can help you develop a new product from the idea stage to the marketplace. MIND TO MONEY may be ordered from the Dream Merchant at $59.95 plus $4.95 CA sales tax and $5 shipping and handling ($69.90 total). Send orders to the Dream Merchant, 2309 Torrance Blvd., Suite 104, Torrance, CA 90501.
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