Prototyping involves more than just the creation of a tactile mock-up.

It’s both a proof of concept using

off the shelf hardware mixed with DIY materials and a fully-functional product constructed of precision-
crafted components.

A prototype is a functional, not final version of a product or service that can be used for testing.

The typical manufacturing processes that help to drive from prototype to production include design
creation, prototyping, product development, and documentation.

Prototype production enables engineers and product designers to fully understand the material
required for mass tooling, which helps to determine the cost-per-unit of mass-producing the product.

A production prototype is a product created after the engineering prototype has been tested and
approved. This prototype is the last one that confirms that a product’s design is without flaws before
proceeding with mass production.

Feedback
It’s at this stage of concept development — after there’s a successful prototype in-hand and
before it heads to market — that is ideal for gathering feedback from principals such as
stakeholders and executives. A concept model provides a hands-on approach for displaying the
product with its projected aesthetics and features during meetings. It allows key decision makers
to see the concept in action.
These concept models are also an effective way to conduct market research. Because they can
be manufactured in just a small-volume run, a concept model is a cost-effective way to test the
reaction of a targeted audience before placing an order for a larger run.

Prototyping production includes the following:

(1) Testing design features and developing extra features;
(2) Confirming design functionality;
(3) Detecting design flaws and rectifying them before production;
(4) Sourcing feedback from users;
(5) Creating a physical model for further review and closer study.