Prototyping Your Idea

What is a Prototype?
• A prototype is an original model on which
something is patterned. A prototype can range
from a crude mock-up developed by the
inventor to professionally designed virtual
prototypes and/or fully-functioning working
samples.
In the development of prototype, the
inventor can:
• Tap a professional prototype company
• Use a virtual designer
• Ask a model maker
• Construct on his own
 IMPORTANT!
• The prototype process is evolutionary – you
may start with cardboard and evolve the
prototype through several alterations over
time as you refine your invention!
 There are two primary options for
taking a product to the market:
• Manufacture on your own;

• License for royalties

 Prototyping
• It means making a rough draft of an idea so
you can test it out.
• Makers create prototypes to evaluate their
designs, show ideas to other people, and think
through problems before it is too late to make
changes.
 Reasons to Develop a Prototype
1. A prototype brings IDEAS to LIFE -
Without a tangible prototype, it will be
more difficult for a buyer to understand
the invention.
2. A developed prototype helps to work
out the details of the invention.
3. Prototype helps to identify key details
that should be included in the patent
applications.
4. Patent drawings will much easier to
complete if a model is available from
which to work.
What Prototypes Are and Aren’t?
• Prototypes are:
– Cheap
– Disposable
– A step in larger process of making

This means prototypes are created quickly and

thrown away – on purpose! – as part of
generating and testing your ideas!
What Prototypes Are and Aren’t?
• Prototypes aren’t:
– Finished Products
– Something that has to be done on a
computer
– Only used to design one kind of thing.
Designers use prototypes to build
computer programs, web sites, and
games. They are also used to make
things like furniture, electronics, toys
and much more.
 Prototyping Process
• Experimentation – test rigs and simple models can
prove insightful when exploring a design.
• Proof of Principle – a proof of principle is one that
tests the functional aspects of the design.
• Presentation – a presentation prototype builds upon
the work of a proof of principle, integrating the
functional aspects into an aesthetic form. A
presentation prototype works and looks like a finished
product.
• Production Data – this includes production of the CAD
files, drawings, specification and a list of materials
 Rules of Thumb when prototyping
your invention!
1. Begin with a drawing!
2. Create a concept mock-up out of any
material that will allow you to make a
prototype.
3. Once you are satisfied with the mock-up,
create a full working model of your
invention!
Thank you!!!