If you want to be an inventor, you probably have some great ideas for new products or items that could help people. Maybe you’ve even sketched them all out and built a rudimentary version to test it. The next step is to build an official prototype that you can use in pitches to secure investors. Once they’re interested in your product, you’ll be off to the races! So let’s look at what it takes to make a great prototype.
Draw It Up
The first step in designing your prototype is to draw it up on paper. This allows you to get an idea of what it will look like, what parts you might need and work out the finer points of how it will work. The drawing doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should give you a good guide to work off of when you move on to the next step.
Make It Real
After you have a drawing to use as your guide, you need to make a physical prototype. For this, you might need to use 3D printers or injection mold design services based on what type of product you’re making. If you’re not making each part yourself, be sure to give precise instructions to the person who will be crafting the pieces or the product as a whole. This ensures it comes out right the first time without any major problems.
Refine It
Now that you have something to hold in your hands, test it out. Make sure everything works the way you anticipated and that it looks exactly how you wanted it to. You might see an area that could be changed or fine-tuned. Create a list of little things you’d like to refine in the next run that would make your product pitch perfect.