Product Design Prototype and Development

Prototype design is a core service that 'Idea Reality Product Design' offer as a company. Prototyping a product design idea is an essential step in the process of launching a new product idea to market.

As a product prototype maker with inhouse facilities, we can help not only to test your concept using a physical product prototype, but also to evaluate and enhance your design in terms of innovation and manufacturing efficiency.

A prototype of your product design idea may only be required to prove that the concept design is correct before proceeding on to manufacture. However, product prototype design, as a service takes many forms, from basic 3d printed mock ups through to fully functioning sales models specifically for  marketing purposes.

What’s more, different products, ideas and concepts will require different types of prototypes, depending on your overall aim, such as: 

Why prototype a product invention idea?

Prototyping a product invention idea has numerous benefits, and there are many reasons why inventors or companies like you will want to invest in this crucial stage of the design process.

Whether you would like to test a design before progressing, push your product into further development, require a working prototype for crowdfunding or are ready to share your invention idea with potential investors, prototyping an invention idea will make a considerable difference to your project; allowing you to refine your idea whilst giving you a competitive edge.

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Product design process

Every invention is unique, and therefore every product design process is in some way different, however certain core milestones tend to remain the same or similar; ensuring you successfully pogress your invention idea forward and begin your journey to mass production.

Understand the process of going from concept idea to manufacture ready product.

Product Design Process

Design development

Design development involves the engineering and fine tuning of a chosen design concept, enabling an initial prototype to be created. Considered the ‘fine tuning’ stage in the overall journey of bringing your invention idea to market, design development allows us to focus on the finer details and adjust the concepts initially presented; whether they be changes to the height, size or colours. Once your concept has been suitably amended and agreed upon, a prototype-ready design can be created.

Electronic prototype design

Where electronics and mechanical elements are required in the initial prototype design, we work with highly skilled electronic design engineers to ensure this is fully integrated into the design from the very beginning of the project.

Whether simple gadgets and appliances or complex machines, software apps, and systems with multiple components, electronic prototype design enables you to more accurately understand and adapt your design to respond to any potential flaws, as well as allowing you to refine your design before moving onto the next stage of the process.

CAD design & product engineering

Taking your sketches and/or drawings and turning them into manufacture-ready product designs, our professional CAD designers work with a range of formats and programs to produce 3D CAD models for:
  • 3D printing
  • Product prototyping or
  • Mass production manufacturing
Alongside the production of original CAD designs, our team of designers are also able to undertake smaller tasks such as CAD design adjustments to existing CAD models, and production drawings specifically for manufacture.

Product prototypes & design testing

Product prototypes & design testing enables you to understand and identify any potential issues with initial designs and amend accordingly before progressing further; helping you avoid any design-related manufacturing problems which may prove costly or delay the manufacturing process. Design testing also helps you determine whether your product design works as expected, and demonstrate your invention idea to potential investors. Often considered a lengthy and complex process, product prototypes & design testing with our experienced team here at Idea Reality allows you the opportunity to eliminate flaws and potential issues early on, achieving a smooth, prompt, and worry-free journey to manufacturing your product.

In-House 3D Printed Prototypes

Take advantage of our in-house 3d printer and workshop facilities as well as our extensive knowledge of additive manufacturing technologies. Read our prototyping success story on Ultimaker.com who featured Idea Reality for its prototype development process.

Manufacturing Network

You can benefit from our fantastic network of trusted factories and suppliers. Whether you need a prototype or production batch we can help make it happen. We can obtain full costs for production tooling, unit costs, assembly and packaging.

Product invention prototype services

As well as our in-house team of experienced product designers, Idea Reality has extensive workshop facilities at our premises, plus access to a network of specialist suppliers and prototype manufacturers; providing you with the knowledge, experience, and skills you need to make your invention idea a reality, whether it's a first 3D printed prototype to test your design or a working electronic demonstration prototype for sales and investment purposes. Our award winning UK based product design team will guide you from concept design through to prototype and manufacture drawings, bringing your invention design ideas and product development projects successfully to market with advice, guidance, practical and actionable ideas & support, and crowdfunding help.
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Product prototype examples

There are many different types of product prototype, depending on where you are in the process of developing your invention idea, what your idea is or what your desired outcome is.
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Sales Prototype

The most expensive form of prototyping, a sales prototype provides you with a demonstrable product as close to the ‘real thing’ as possible, intended to help you licence or sell your design - or any of its intellectual property.

product prototypes idea mockups and 3d printing

Design Validation Prototype

Intended to prove that the design works before investing in the aesthetics of the product, design validation prototyping allows for comprehensive testing to take place; identifying areas of improvement and approving key aspects of the design, whilst ensuring the functionality of moving parts, fixings or fittings are correct.

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Display Only Prototype

Used to showcase the visual aspects of the design, a display only prototype would typically be seen in an exhibition or used in marketing photography. The nature of this prototype means that the surface quality would perfectly emulate that of the final product, following manufacture.

working test product prototype 3d printing

Working Test Prototype

When the functionality of a design, moving parts or any electronics used within a product need to be tested, a working test prototype must first be created in order to demonstrate that the design is correct before moving onto the next stage of the process. Alongside this, in some cases, this form of prototyping can also be used for compliance testing and legislative approvals prior to full scale manufacturing.

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3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping

The most common form of prototype manufacturing, one-off parts and complex prototypes for new invention designs can be quickly and efficiently produced in different materials, and to varying qualities, dependent on need; providing a cost effective prototype solution within a matter of days.

Electronics Prototypes

Electronic Product Prototypes

Working with a sophisticated network of electronics specialists to bring design capabilities to different types of electronic product designs, Idea Reality provides a unique skill set for each individual project; our associates specialising in many different areas of electronics, from solar power to miniature PCB design.

Product design services

Idea reality’s extensive range of product design services provide you with the new invention help and bespoke prototype design support you need to start your journey to making your idea a reality. Helping you access a wide range of materials, design software, and specialist expertise, Idea Reality’s wide capability enables you to create your prototype, your way, whether first 3D printing your prototype to test your design or creating working electronic demonstration prototype for sales and investment purposes.

Get your product design ready for Dragons Den! >>>

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    CASE STUDY

    MotionLab "Weightless" Backpack

    Iterative Design Development

    - Multiple design iterations exploring ergonomics, strength, comfort and flexibility - Developed using the latest in 3D CAD technology and design team collaoration - Complex angles and curvatures to fit a variety of body types and movements

    Prototyping and Testing

    - Using the latest in professional 3D printing and rapid prototyping techiques - Fine tuning and field testing - Combining mechanical design and materials knowlegde with fabric bag design

    Crowdfunding Launch

    - Marketing prototypes suitable for display - Production support and manufacture cost research - Sales videos, visuals and animations of effective campaigns
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