Prototype types are very important to know because when you invent well, it’s in sequence.

In the early stages, inventors need to save money and prove the invention concept in the fastest amount of time with the least amount of cost.    Understanding the 8 kinds of prototypes and knowing when to use them can save a lot of time and money.   Here is my recommendation.

Use through the VALIDATION / EVALUATION Phase

1)   Proof of Concept Prototype

Use existing materials, parts and components to prove the new idea works or not and make reasonable assumptions about how much the invention will cost to make, based on similar materials being sold in other products.    This step DOES NOT have to be in tangible form.   You can easily look around in stores and compare the cost of similar materials, used in other products.   You can make assumptions based on the retail price points and gain insight on which materials might work best for your concept.

2)   Inventor Mock Up Prototype   

(Low cost start for As Seen on TV Submissions).   Click here for info on How To Submit Product Concepts.

A rough construction using crude materials such as cardboard, foam, paper or wood typically done to show the idea in 3D form.    You can jiffy rig pieces and parts together to demonstrate the product so you can show it to potential partners.   The main goal here is to be able to explain the features and benefits to trusted people who can offer you feedback.    You can make a home made video demo showing your product in action and

3)  Virtual Prototypes or Animations Prototype 

(Perfect for developing Sell Sheets before spending money on inventory)

3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) rendering.   These can be fancy and detailed done in a CAD program for greater detail or simple and arty, making the product look aesthetically pleasing on a graphic sell sheet.   Using a graphically created photo is a great way to test the concept, validate the market need and gain support from team members, investors and license partners is fantastic.    It’s so important to determine the features and benefits of the product.

I’m not a fan of animations as a form of submitting product ideas for licensing, unless the product is complex.   For simple items like what we look for in As Seen On TV, the mock-up is best for evaluation, but the working prototype or 3D Printed prototype is better for testing.

CAD drawings or line drawings are great for patent filing, but not very compelling to marketers and product licensee’s.

The farther an inventor brings the product, the easier it is to gain interest.

Use through the BUSINESS PLANNING Phase & Testing Phase.    BEST for ASOTV.

4)  Model or 3D Printed Prototype 

A form built and painted for aesthetic appearance only

5)  Working Prototype

A fully functioning item yet may not be fully designed & engineered for manufacturability, nor it may not be appearance like.

6) Black Box Prototype

An existing enclosure or box  with mechanical, electrical, optical and or software internals fully functioning.

Use through the PROTOTYPES & PATENTS Phase

7)  Rapid Prototype

A group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three dimensional CAD data.

Use through MANUFACTURING phase

8)  Pre-Production Prototype

A prototype provided by the manufacturer prior to full production.   Done to insure quality, concept, and functionality.

Watch and SUBSCRIBE to Carrie Jeske YouTube Channel for more info.  Positive Comments Appreciated.

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The $5 Proof-of-Concept Inventor Mockup

Prototypes don’t have to be expensive.    When inventing new products for TV, you can secure a licensing agreement with a $5 Prototype.

I read an interesting article, written by Edmond John Dougherty, Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship at Villanova University and an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department who is teaching students how this is possible.  He says “you can “‘MacGyver’ a prototype for your invention and get funding.”

I agree. It’s possible to get a term sheet and licensing agreement on early stage prototypes, but in the last two years, it’s getting harder.  There are many finished goods that manufactures can choose from so you have to have a well made prototype and strong marketing pitch.

Proof-of-principle Prototypes instantly increase the value of your idea

If you really understand your idea, it is possible for anyone to build a demonstration prototype at a very low cost.   Low cost does not mean low quality.  It is important that the prototype look as high quality as you can make it.   After All, you’re asking investors to put $5,000, $10,000 or $30,000 into the concept to test the market viability so how well you communicate the value of the item is critical to securing funding.

There are some companies and distribution channels that won’t fund early stage concepts or license I.P. before the product has been tested for market viability.  If your invention happens to be geared toward an industry where this is true, you may have to go the provisional or utility patent route.   Even for TV items, there is a time and place for I.P. protection.     I just don’t believe that’s it’s before obtaining a confidential review, when all you need is a well-made, $5 prototype.    Waste not.  Want not.

If you want or need to invest more, there are 3D printers and product development companies that offer reasonable services.    If you need some good recommendations for some trusted providers, send me a note on LinkedIn.

Once you have the prototype ready to go, review the blog “Demo Videos That Sell”.

You could have the next great As Seen on TV winner and I can’t wait to review and give feedback on your product submission.

Onward & Upward,

Submit Your Product for review.

Onward & Upward,

Carrie Jeske

Watch and SUBSCRIBE to Carrie Jeske YouTube Channel.

Positive Comments Appreciated.

© 2020 Jeske.  For reprint rights, please contact Carrie Jeske directly.

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product developers

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Product development and product design are important considerations to any inventor or product developer.

Inventive Ideas, Carrie Jeske, serves, on contract,  as a Director of Marketing for R2FACT Product Development.           

Watch this great company overview on R2Fact – Startups: Made in Kansas City presented in KCPT.

KCPT was so much fun to work with on this project.   Working with R2FACT Product Development has been such a pleasure for me.   Steve Pope is one the best product design experts I know.   He’s created so many great lawn & garden product lines as well as medical device projects.

Deciding whether to patent or prototype is a tough choice for inventors.

I’ve seen people spend $10,000 on a utility patent only to find out the product specs cannot be manufactured.   On the other hand, I watched people waste money on product development, then find out the item is not patentable.

That can cost you so much time and money, don’t make these mistakes. Make sure to do all your research in detail.

These are hard decisions that must be made with the least cost and highest possible return.

Having a strong product developer evaluate your proof of concept is a wise first step to starting your own small business.

If you’re into social networking, please connect with me on:

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Carrie Jeske

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