Prototypes, The Granddaddy Of All Products
No company goes out and starts mass production of a new product
before creating first an example of this product. This example
is called a prototype.
Prototypes are a working example of a new design. And before
moving towards creating multiple copies of this prototype, the
company will generally use the prototype to test its viability
and quality.
For example, before a new car is built, it must be designed,
researched, and developed into a working product. Researchers
consumer surveys, analyze market trends, and buying patterns to
determine what consumers want, and then suggest what kinds of
cars to make.
Designers work to turn these new ideas into tangible products.
Engineers then adapt what existing parts they have and implement
them into the new model. They then proceed to produce the
prototype. Manufacturers usually start by building a few
prototypes before they set up a factory to build the new car.
Uses
Prototypes can also be referred to as test machines. They are
usually developed to demonstrate the qualities of a new product
to stakeholders and clients. The prototype, of course, is
understood by these people to be yet an incomplete model of the
final product. Its purpose is to show the potential attributes
of the final product.
Prototypes are also used for test purposes. By subjecting these
prototypes to numerous tests, the designers of the product get
to see the strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and mistakes in a
project. From the information they glean, the designers may
proceed to reworking the design until the product reaches the
objectives of the designers.
Prototypes can even be used as the 'Adam' version of a
particular product. By 'Adam' we mean the basis of design for
all products that will follow the line of the prototype.
Engineers and designers refer to this 'Adam' model for reference
as to how to develop, and evolve certain product lines.
Examples
Automobile Racing
In some circles, all the participating cars in a race are called
prototypes. This is because these machines are not mass
produced.
The cars produced for racing are specialized machines that are
supposed to showcase new innovations and designs a car
manufacturer carry. Therefore, these cars can be considered
models. These cars also function as models for future mass
produced cars the car manufacturer will create.
Food Industry/Clothing Industry
Designers in this field of industry do not make decisions on
what products make it to the production line. They must pitch
their designs to their bosses to see which ones make the cut.
They must then show them what their pet projects may look like.
These designers proceed to create prototypes of their work to
present their bosses with something tangible to decide on.
Computer
Often researchers and designers of computers build powerful
supercomputers to perform the myriad of complex computations
needed for applications such as mathematical computations,
artificial intelligence research, and military applications. The
power these machines pack is something everyday users salivate
over.
These prototypes however, are just that - prototypes. And as
models, they find their way into being mass produced for the
masses.
That is the reason why today's desktop computers are so
powerful: a few years ago the power of your computer was used
for critical, complex math intensive applications.
Use It Now
The use of prototypes has become a industry-accepted means of
product development. It allows the designer to tinker around
with a given design to further evolve its quality and to show
others a model of the product. Such practice truly makes the
evolution of everyday products efficient.