Did you know that the vast majority of new products fail? If you’re a wannabe inventor, this can be daunting. How do you create something that your potential customers are going to love?
It all starts with the product prototyping process. No product comes to fruition as soon as the inventor has the initial idea. There’s a lengthy prototyping process behind every successful product or service.
We’re here with a few helpful product prototyping tips so you can get started on the right track. Read on to learn more.
1. Involve Your Audience
This doesn’t work for everyone, but many wannabe business owners and inventors who choose to crowdfund their products and projects will take audience input during the prototyping process. This can be beneficial.
When you allow your audience to offer suggestions, you’re giving yourself a better chance of a successful product. You already know what the people want, so you won’t have to go through and make as many changes.
Get on social media and interact with the people who are interested in your product. You might be surprised at some of their great ideas!
2. Approach It as an Experiment
Every type of prototype is an experiment, even if you think that you have the “perfect product” from the get-go. When you approach it this way, you’re able to break your product down into individual parts or variables.
Instead of thinking about the product as a whole, think about how each component is supposed to work together. When something doesn’t go to plan, this will make it easier to identify the single problematic “variable” instead of scrapping the entire project.
3. Find an Affordable Manufacturing Process
This is tricky. When you’re first prototyping your project, you shouldn’t go all-out with an expensive manufacturer. You don’t know what’s going to work yet.
You have options. If you’re crafty, you could make something yourself. This isn’t a great option for everyone, however.
For most people, a 3D printing service is a best and most affordable option for your prototypes. You’ll get high-quality, quick, and cost-effective results.
4. Don’t Get Too Attached
This is a tough one. When you’re prototyping, keep in mind that your first go-around is likely not going to be the best version of your project. Things are going to go wrong, people might not like it, or it might fail altogether.
Be willing to scrap parts of your project, even if you love those parts. They’ll benefit the prototype as a whole.
5. Test (and Then Test Again)
As we mentioned before, your prototype is an experiment. When you get the physical prototype, test it several times to make sure that it’s working the way that you wanted.
You should also have other people test it, whether it’s people you work with or strangers in a focus group. It’s difficult to be objective about your own product, so you need that outside influence.
Are You Ready for Product Prototyping?
Product prototyping can be a lengthy process, but it’s also an exciting one. You get to see your idea come to life, even if it takes a few tries to make it perfect.
Start working together with your audience or team to bring your product to fruition!
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