How to build a prototype for a start-up business

How to create a prototype

Prototypes come in many forms, such as:

• sketches and diagrams
• models made of cardboard or wood or 3D-printed in resins and plastics
• working models that function exactly as you intend them to
• animation or video
• virtual or augmented reality demonstrations
• wireframes for software and apps
• websites, such as an online store

To create a prototype, you first need to decide how much time and money you want to spend and how sophisticated you want the prototype to be.

Creating a physical prototype

You can create prototypes such as 3D models using basic materials like cardboard, scrap metal, foam and wood.

You can model products using computer-aided design (CAD) software on a PC and then output with a 3D printer.

These use plastic resin to 'print' 3D replicas of your product, with entry-level 3D printers sufficient for a basic prototype.

A basic physical model allows you to check the form and function before producing a more complex model.

Creating a digital prototype

A prototype doesn't have to be a physical object.

If you're launching an online business or app, a simple web page with a 'coming soon' message, animation of the product and a box for interested people to submit their email addresses can act as a prototype.

You could create a simple website or online store to see how people navigate and purchase from it before developing it further.

Outsourcing the creating of your prototype

Do-it-yourself prototyping can be useful for internal testing and showing to product designers.

You may need a more complex prototype that's closer to the finished product to demonstrate to investors, clients, customers and manufacturers as you progress.

For more detailed prototypes, you may need to pay an external service.

Design skills are crucial, so look for a product designer who can manage the whole process, including project managing and working with a prototype manufacturer.

Costs vary from a few hundreds of pounds per day for a freelance product designer to thousands of pounds for a detailed physical prototype created by a specialist company.

To fund a prototype, a Start Up Loan is a great option.

You can also apply for funding through government organisations such as Innovate UK, and you might be able to claim research and development tax relief.

If you outsource to a prototyping organisation, you must protect your intellectual property.

Having a patent or protected design is ideal but if not, ask the organisation to sign confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements.

Make sure the prototype manufacturer can produce the level of complexity you need and, for physical prototypes, in the material you want.

Plastic, metal, wood and textiles are some of the common materials used.

You'll need to decide how complex you want the prototype to be.

For example, do you want a visual prototype showing the overall shape and size, or a fully functioning pre-production prototype using processes that represent how the final product will be produced?

For digital businesses, prototypes could be sketches translated into wireframes for an app, animated videos that show the product in action, or virtual reality technology that allows the user to experience the digital product.