For past 4 months, I have been developing two prototypes for two different start-up ideas. So, there was a question that keep coming to my mind. The question is that should we build the perfect prototype to show that our idea is validate and worth funding or worth purchasing. In this article we are going to discuss about how we should do prototyping.
What is a prototype:
in simple terms, a prototype is a first model that is being created to test the concept or the idea. It mainly work as the proof of concept for the idea. Prototypes are mainly built to test technological aspects of an idea or concept.
A prototype is a preliminary version or scaled-down sample of an ideated product that allows you to visualize, test, and refine your concept prior to full-scale production.
There are different types of prototypes including digital sketches/designs, paper prototypes, functional prototypes, etc. the most important of them all is actual functional prototype which you can demonstrate the functionalities of your idea or concept.
The prototype is mainly developed to perform following functionalities.
Visualization: Prototypes provide a visual representation of your product, helping you better understand the efficacy of its design and its functionality.
Testing: They enable you to evaluate product performance, identify flaws, and structure improvement plans.
Cost-reduction: Identifying and rectifying issues in the prototype phase can save substantial costs in the long term.
difference between final product and prototype:
The major difference is purposes of building them. A Prototype is mainly developed to test the concept or idea for building the final product. The final product is built for commercial purposes. It is fully functional and market-ready.
Cost:
Cost of building a prototype is depending on the prototype type, idea, and several other reasons. A digital prototype is way cheaper than a functional prototype building. The cost for building the functional prototype is the most expensive cost spending prototype type.
Should a prototype be perfect:
The simple answer is ‘NO’. but we must understand that main purpose is to demonstrate the core functionalities. So, the prototype should be built for demonstrate purpose only.
As you progress through the product development stages, the performance level expected from a prototype increases. When presenting to investors or stakeholders, a prototype should ideally reflect a high degree of functionality and aesthetic consideration. In these situations, it’s essential to demonstrate that your concept works effectively and is capable of garnering interest from your target demographic.
The main goal is to showcase that the idea or concept has potential to solve the specific problem. We don’t need to build everything for prototype. we just need to demonstrate that the core functionalities can be performed to solve a problem.
Therefore, it is best to align the prototype’s level of perfection with your project’s objectives.