Develop A Concept
You will need to define the form of your concept before starting the prototype stage of your product design. If you are not a professional product designer, try some sketches or doodles. Drawing your concept helps you perfect or define incomplete details. It allows you to envision your prototype with each feature.
A Hand Made Model
It’s very important to define the size and form of your concept Before stepping into 3d printing or CAD. Depending on the size and complexity of your concept, you may be able to make a prototype by hand with materials you may have around the house or can easily find at a craft store. You can use Paper, hot glue, cardboard, fabric, or even sheets of plastic to build a hand-made prototype. This preliminary prototype does not need to be perfect, it is the initial step to the possibility of holding your concept in your hands.
This initial model will give you an idea in fact the right size or will allow you to make changes to perfect the size and ergonomics. This might be extended for several prototypes. It is important to spend more time in this stage before you enter the next stage where you will be spending more money. Testing and getting preliminary feedback is the most important thing in the prototype stage. Then you can identify failures and challenges before moving into the next stage.
Develop a 3D CAD model of your concept
You will want to create a 3d model depending on your concept and the materials it may be made of. If your model will be made of plastic or metal or any material that would require a mold to manufacture, we strongly suggest creating a digital version even if your product is made from fabric. In some cases, your model may have a combination of materials and some of them may involve molds for manufacturing. If this is your case, then we suggest creating CAD models of those parts.
Making CAD models will allow you to create 3D renderings for marketing and presentations. You can visualize your concept in different colors, and even textures or various materials in rendering. Prototype-ready 2D technical drawings also can be generated from 3D CAD models.
3D Printing or CNC machining Your Concept
we strongly recommend having a final model built to help showcase your product if you have an idea to present the prototype to a company or an individual. Once your digital file is complete consider 3d printing or CNC machining If your product is including metal or plastic parts. There are many types of 3d printing processes that will fit your needs based on your budget. You may end up with an unfinished but functioning prototype or you can go further until it looks and feels like the final product.