Why Functional Prototypes Development Is Critical To Inventors

What is functional prototypes development?

Essentially, it is an engineering process by which a design is successfully developed and produced as the first working model of a particular product. A functional prototype does everything the intended product should, and is basically the precursor to marketing the product for subsequent mass production.

Why is it Important?

A functional prototype serves several purposes. On the one hand, it is the concrete representation of a new idea and serves as a working model based on which improvements can be made. In short, it is a reference point or a starting point for the life cycle of that product. On the other hand, it is also a marketing tool that can be used to evince interest from investors who can potentially support the production, marketing and distribution of the product. In addition, it is also a testable unit that can be ‘put through the hoops’ to see if it can actually perform the way it is supposed to.

What Kinds of Tests are Conducted on Prototypes?

There are several types of tests that prototypes are generally required to pass before they are approved and certified for production. These tests involve seeing how the product would perform in exaggerated as well as real-life situations. Stress tests, functional tests and so on are applied to the product until every possible limitation is accurately documented. The end result of this intensive and extensive testing is a wealth of data that can be used to incorporate changes or improvements in the basic design of the product. In every sense of the phrase, functional prototypes development provides the guinea pigs for all types of product tests.

Prototypes are the mainstay of the research and development domain in practically every industry imaginable. Without prototypes or prototyping, subpar products would be released into the market, putting people at risk and endangering lives.