Invention Prototypes
Benefits of Invention Prototypes
Don't underestimate the power of prototyping. Too often the benefits of prototyping an invention are either played down or completely ignored when "experts" take to the issue. But turning your idea into a product sample is probably the most important part of inventing. Producing a model or prototype will help you find the best way to manufacture the device you have invented. It can be useful for all sorts of things like figuring out where to put labels, what the shipping weight will be, how to best package it, what it might cost to manufacture it, and to get feedback from test users. It's a valuable tool for you to use.
If you are going to try to raise money to manufacture the new product yourself, or if you're demonstrating it to a potential customer to get a big order, you will need the prototype if you do not already have a production unit to show or demonstrate.
Invention prototypes cannot be ignored because they try to prove the concept of the inventor to potential customers, suppliers, and investors-and most importantly, to the inventor himself. This has been the opinion of majority of experts. The idea behind creating a prototype is the accomplishment of a lot from the point of view of creativity, that too without having to put on so much of money in the idea of product or going for its commitment early on.
Construction of an 'invention prototype' at the appropriate time: It's essential to construct an 'invention prototype' much before buying the tooling for building the product or seeking contract manufacturers. Many a times, it so happens that the inventor might, in reality want to build a prototype much before getting too fancy regarding computer drawings. He is likely to burn up loads of cash on 'engineering drawings' when possibly what he needs 1st is the papier-mâché clearly showing him what is being tried by him. If that is the case, he is advised to revert to computer-aided drawings.
Assessing the proper time for prototype is not all that tough. It just requires a proof of workability of the product invented by the concerned person.
The proper 'invention prototype' for proper audience: An 'invention prototype' should be aimed towards the proper audience for doing its job. It means that the tailoring should be done in such a way that the requirements of the customers get fulfilled much to their satisfaction. Not only that, the prototype should be able to bear the critics of potential partners, investors, suppliers, and customers. Hence, it should be noted that just friendly appraisals are not enough. The more slicker looking and operable the prototype then the 'better' it is. However, it's advisable to not get carried away by the praises. It's better to spend less on this production, as there would be many other places for spending the startup capital.