Have you seen the latest iPhone 11’s design? It has a stunning look and revamped camera layout that stands apart from any previous iPhones.
The genius minds behind Apple must have gone through numerous product designs to come up with this finalized version. Also, it must have gone through numerous prototypes to make it the best version of the iPhone in the market.
Have you noticed that I’ve used product design and prototyping separately? It’s because even though the word product designing and prototyping are often used interchangeably. there are a few differences between each of these terms.
In this blog, we’ll address some of the most common misconceptions about product designing and prototyping.
If you’re excited to bust some common myths about the product designing industry, let’s get right into it.
1: Product designing and prototyping are the same things.
Although prototyping is an integral part of product design, here are a few key differences between them.
When you ask for a new product designing services, you’re practically asking for designing product from scratch. They understand your product concept and finds ways to bring it into reality. It includes conceptualization, initial drafts, virtual simulations, commercial designing, and of course, prototyping.
Prototype developers, on the other hand, process the information from the product designing efforts and create a real-life replica of your product. Prototypes are real-life 3D models of your product idea that can be used as a demonstration for stakeholders. Also, prototypes are used to tweak the product to perfection.
Bottom line: Product designing is a broad concept and prototyping is a small part of it.
2: Product Designing is all About Making Your Product Look Good.
The importance of good aesthetics can’t be ignored. After all, visual designing and 3D modeling are the first steps to enhance the visual appeal of your product.
However, focusing on aesthetics alone is wrong. What’s the point of having an attractive product if it can’t do the task it’s designed for?
Besides the aesthetics, these are the crucial factors of a product’s success:
- Performance
- Quality of Raw Materials
- Ergonomics
- Energy Efficiency
- Cost of Manufacturing
Invention prototype companies consider each of these factors to create a product that is viable, cost-effective, practical, ergonomically designed, and visually stunning. If your product design fails in any one of these categories, it might not reach its fullest potential.
3: Prototyping is too expensive for smaller companies.
Here are some facts about prototyping.
- Prototypes are made for constant rework on the product before sending it for manufacturing, which saves lots of time, effort, and money.
- Technologies like 3D printing have made prototyping much easier, faster and cheaper. With a basic knowledge of CAD and 3D printers, you can create multiple replicas of your product in no time.
- Many prototype developers provide professional prototyping and 3D modeling service to all industries at a reasonable cost. That’s why many companies often prefer to outsource prototyping services.
- A variety of prototyping approaches suits different products. For instance: Basic 3D printing is enough for simple consumer goods, jewelry, and accessories. For more complex products like electronics, there are specialized prototyping equipment. You can choose a prototyping approach according to your product.
Do you still think prototyping is expensive for your business?
4: More Features Means a Better Product.
Having additional features in your product is always better, but it should be able to do its core function properly. Adding way too many features in your product design is a recipe for disaster.
A Product jam-packed with numerous features may look nice on the paper, but often they are average at best when it comes to using them. If your product is designed for doing one task perfectly, it will gain huge demand from its niche customers.
If you have a new product design idea, make sure that it is designed to perform its core function first. If your product is perfectly compatible to perform a delegated task, try adding a few features later on. Make sure that it won’t hamper the core functionality of the product.
5: Prototypes must be life-size.
The main purpose of prototypes is to represent the product as authentically as possible. It stands as a product sample for your colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
Although creating a near-perfect replica is expected from prototypes, being real-size isn’t always possible.
Let’s say you’re designing a brand new pen. You can create a replica as a reference and present it to your investors. But what about displaying a car model or an apartment layout?
There are numerous 3D model prototyping options available for every product. They usually fall under these categories.
- Sales Prototype: Designed for a final product demonstration. The product is finished and ready to be launched in the market.
- Design Verification Prototype: Just for the aesthetic reference. Made using a 3D printer for making the new product design even better.
- Display-Only Prototype: A miniature version or a real-life replica of a product made for visual representation only.
- Working Test Prototype: Mostly used in electronic products to test the functionality and make further improvements.
- Virtual Simulation: Used to represent an apartment layout, a car model, heavy machinery, etc. through virtual video simulation on display screens.
You can choose any of the above prototyping methods most that are most suitable for your product and industry.
Final Thoughts
Product designing and prototyping are the first steps in every product’s life cycle. If you got this stage right, your product will perform at its utmost capacity and maintain a positive image in the minds of customers.
We hope this blog cleared out some misconceptions about product designing and prototyping.
Struggling with your product designing? Looking for a local new product designing agency in Houston, Texas? We are right here. Imaginationeering is the leading prototype developer agency that provides services like 3D modeling services, Invention prototype services and a lot more.
Take a look at our extensive portfolio to see what can we help you with.