How to Get Started on Your Prototype Design

At MAKO Design we as a prototype design company get to work within a variety of different industries on prototypes and products in all stages of development. It’s always thrilling to get to work with new, go-getting inventors and designers because they’re always bringing something surprising and innovative to the table.

If it is your first time creating a product, the process can seem a bit complex. One of the most important parts of your project will be the prototype design or better yet choosing the prototype design company. The prototyping phase has a few different stages depending on where you are in development. Here’s a quick and simple breakdown of what you can expect when you’re ready to prototype.

The first step to getting started is to call your prototype design company.

Prototype Design Company and Prototype Staging 

You don’t have a sketch, but the idea is so fleshed out in your head that you can see it vividly. If you think you can dictate the details to your prototype design company and expect a polished first try, you might be in for an unwelcome surprise. Even detailed written notes on a page probably won’t be enough.

There are three main versions of prototype you’ll probably create before you’re ready to test:

1. Sketch – This doesn’t have to be a beautiful piece of art, but it does have to be clear. The simpler and more concise the sketch, the better.
2. DIY Prototype – This is where you can get crafty. You don’t need fancy soldering, working hinges or moulds for this. Use whatever is easiest and cheapest to acquire: pipe cleaners, glue guns, PVC.
3. 3D Printed Prototype – This is where your prototype design company steps in. Based on your previous versions, we can take your design and specifications and build a working 3D printed prototype.

Injection molding is a very common form of prototyping and often used in the first phases.

Prototype Quantity for Prototype Quality 

You won’t have just one prototype before you’re ready to pitch, manufacture or start your crowdfunding campaign. Much like the three prototype versions, you’re going to have a number of drafts of each one. The more you iterate on your sketch, DIY, or 3D print, the closer you’ll get to the final product without going over your budget.

Always be tweaking, perfecting and realigning your design to make sure the product continues to align with your concept. Your prototype design company can carefully walk you through each of these steps and help you work your way through it.

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!