Prototyping: the art of transforming ideas into realities

Have you ever wondered how a simple idea becomes a product that we use every day? The answer lies in prototyping. Throughout my professional life, I've worked on projects where prototyping was the key to moving from abstract concepts to products you can hold in your hands. If you're looking to understand what they are, how they work and why they are critical in the development of any project, stay with me. This is a practical, no-nonsense masterclass.

What is a prototype?

A prototype is, in essence, an initial model of a product, system or service designed to test concepts, validate ideas and find bugs before investing resources in a final version. It can be something as simple as a drawing, a paper model or as complex as a programmed functional system.

Here's the point: the prototype is not the finished product, but it gets you dangerously close to it. It's the testing ground where ideas meet reality.

Prototypes are essential in virtually any industry: from automotive to technology, fashion to construction. If you've ever worn an ergonomic shoe or used an intuitive app, you can thank the prototype for making it possible.

Types of prototypes: which one do you need?

When we talk about prototypes, you have to think of them as a tool with multiple forms. There is no one prototype for everything, but here are the main types and when you should use them:

1. Volumetric prototypes

These focus on size and shape. Ideal for evaluating how a design will fit into a physical space. They are common in architecture and industrial design.

2. Functional prototypes

Does your idea work as it should? These prototypes seek to test whether a product fulfills its key functions. It's common in electronics and software, where you need to check that everything flows as the customer expects.

3. Final prototypes

The Rolls Royce of prototypes. They look almost like the final product, and are used for extensive testing before launching to market. If something goes wrong here, you'd better figure it out before doing mass production.

Process for creating a prototype

I'll be clear: making a prototype is no easy task, but neither is it an occult science. Here are the basic steps that have worked for me in my career:

1. Goal definition: What do you want to test? Be concrete. A good prototype is not built "just because."
3. Initial design: It can be sketches, wireframes or even a drawing on a napkin. The important thing is to get your idea out of your head and onto paper.
5. Construction: This is where materials or software come into play. It can be as simple as cardboard or as advanced as 3D printing.
7. Testing: Test and evaluate everything. Find bugs, collect feedback, and analyze if your idea solves the problem it was designed to solve.
9. Iteration: This is the mantra: improve, repeat, and test again until the prototype is perfect.

Benefits of prototyping

If you're still not convinced why you need a prototype, I'll sum it up in five magic words: savings, validation, improvement, and safety.

• Cost reduction: Finding bugs in a prototype is much cheaper than in a finished product.
• Early validation: Before investing millions, make sure your idea makes sense.
• Iteration and improvement: Prototyping gives you the opportunity to perfect every detail.
• Customer confidence: Showing something tangible builds confidence, especially in initial presentations or sales.
• Faster innovation: A proven idea is an idea ready to evolve.

Real cases: who uses prototypes?

The list of industries that use prototypes is endless, but here are a few examples:

• Automotive: Companies like Tesla use prototypes to test safety, aerodynamic design and performance.
• Technology: Any app you use started out as a wireframe or working prototype.
• Fashion design: Before creating the clothes you see on runways, designers test for fit and material.

Even small startups use prototypes to pitch their ideas to investors, because, as they say, A picture is worth a thousand words, but a prototype is worth even more.

Final tips for an effective prototype

Told to you by someone who has made every possible mistake along the way:

2. Listen to your users: Invite them to test your prototype and listen with humility.
4. Don't get too attached: A prototype is there to be torn apart, modified and improved.
6. Invest in the right tools: If you're in 3D design, learn to handle advanced software. If you're working on apps, wireframes and mockups will be your bread and butter.