Rapid prototyping and design thinking encourage innovation during the product development phase. Rapid prototyping allows for a convenient, communicative, and efficient work process. In addition, user data and feedback help individuals overcome certain product design constraints and pitfalls. Rapid prototyping allows both engineering and non-engineering personnel to understand designs, evaluate opinions, and exchange ideas. Product developers who want to learn more about this approach should be aware of these common mistakes in rapid prototyping.
Rushing to Create Prototypes
Some new start-up product developers start prototyping earlier than they should or without adequate research. Before prototyping, designers and engineers would first implement an assembly pipeline. These components include ideation, drafting, concept sketching, and 3D CAD design.
Proper research is crucial to the final product’s success as they allow individuals to analyze its feasibility, functionality, parametric dimensions, and design features. It also helps product developers identify potential design or engineering issues in advance. Having the ability to refine product features significantly reduces hiccups during the prototyping stage.
Prototyping at the Default Fidelity Level
Each product design is unique and subjective. Because product concepts vary, the fidelity level of each prototype should be adjusted. Professional engineering and design companies have established a standard level of functionality that they incorporate in prototypes, ranging from rough conceptual sketches to interactive and functional prototypes.
While a low to mid-fidelity level creates more room for creativity, this heavily depends on how detailed the product design is. That’s why manufacturers need to customize their designs’ fidelity levels to suit the end goal, project timeline, and the scope of work.
Selecting the Wrong Prototyping Tools and Approach
When it comes to evaluating product designs, choose prototyping tools that can be customized according to product type, materials, surface texture, and detail level. For instance, PLA (polylactic acid) 3D printing provides a clearer surface texture definition. This feature makes it appropriate for showcasing consumer product models. VeroBlack and VeroWhite, on the other hand, are more suitable for creating close to perfect replicas due to their high-resolution.
Over Focusing on One Idea
Some individuals may feel pressured by a tight deadline, which causes them to create a rigid design. It is important to be adaptive to changes and keep an open mind. This approach drives creativity and innovation during the product development process. Run several few re-design and prototyping cycles before releasing a finalized iteration.
Consult Product Development Experts in Brooklyn
Kemperle Industries has over four decades of experience in specialized manufacturing and a wide range of engineering and design services. Our engineering team can help turn your dreams into reality.
For more information about our product development services, get in touch with us or call us at 718-557-9578.
