What Is a Prototype?

A prototype is a model that shows how your product looks, feels, and functions. Whether you're creating the next breakthrough robotics technology or a simple consumer product, you'll need a prototype to test your idea and show it to investors, partners, and customers. The process for how to build a prototype depends on what you're creating – a software startup might start with wireframes, while a hardware company building drones or satellites will need detailed 3D models for testing.

Five Types of Prototypes

You might think of a prototype as just a physical sample of your product. But there are actually several different types you might come across as you research how to build a prototype product. Let's look at each one and when to use them.

Storyboards and Wireframes

If you're creating software or digital products, storyboards and wireframes are your first stop. Storyboards map out how users will interact with your product, while wireframes show the basic layout and features. Both help you plan the user experience before writing any code.

2D Sketches

Most great ideas start as rough sketches on paper. But today's computer-aided design (CAD) software bridges the gap between initial concepts and industrial design, making it easy to turn those napkin drawings into 2D designs. Professional-looking sketches are ideal for explaining your concept to investors and getting feedback from potential customers. They're quick to make, easy to share, and help anyone understand your vision without a big upfront investment.

Virtual 3D Prototypes

Virtual prototypes are digital 3D models created in CAD software that let you test and improve your design before building anything physical. You can run simulations to check how your product will work in real conditions, spot problems early, and make changes with a few clicks. That saves you time and money by reducing the number of physical prototypes you need to build.

3D Printed Prototypes

With 3D printing, you can turn your CAD designs into real objects made of plastic, resin, or even metal, quickly and affordably. Learning how to make a 3D prototype means you can show people a physical version of your product or print multiple iterations to test sizing or configurations, without the cost of traditional manufacturing.

Functional Prototypes

A functional prototype is a working version of your product that looks and works like the final version. While these prototypes usually start as 3D CAD designs, they're built with the actual materials and manufacturing processes you'll use. They're great for real-world testing and convincing investors who want to see a working product. Keep in mind that the prototyping process for functional prototypes can get expensive, especially if you need multiple versions.

How to Build a Prototype of a Product: 4 Essential Steps

Many startups will use several types of prototypes as they develop their product. For hardware startups, learning how to make a 3D prototype is key. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Define Your Product Specs

Before you can understand how to make a prototype for your invention, you need to clarify your product idea. Start by writing down exactly what your product needs to do. Think through who will use it, what problem it solves, and how people will interact with it. These requirements will guide your entire design process.

Next, dive into the technical details. Write down specific performance targets, size limits, and environmental conditions your product needs to handle. Think about manufacturing too – what materials you'll use, how parts will connect, what standard components you'll need, and how your packaging will enhance the final product's appeal and usability. Your specs will likely change as you learn more, but having them written down gives you a clear direction to start designing.

2. Sketch Initial Designs

While you might start with pencil sketches, moving to 2D CAD software helps you create precise, professional drawings. Most CAD programs let you start with basic shapes and add detail as you go. Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's to explore options quickly and cheaply.

Don't stop at your first idea – create multiple versions of your design. Try different shapes, layouts, and mechanisms. Share these sketches with potential early adopters and manufacturing partners to catch problems early. Their feedback helps you refine your design before moving to 3D modeling. 

3. Build a Virtual Prototype

Now comes the most exciting part of how to build a prototype: Turning your 2D sketches into a detailed 3D model. Start with the main body or frame, then add other components. Modern CAD software's parametric design capabilities mean when you change one part, related parts update automatically, saving you hours of redrawing and making it easy to refine your product design.

The real power comes from virtual testing, which helps you refine the usability of your design before creating physical prototypes. Instead of building physical prototypes, choose a software that lets you run simulations to check strength, heat flow, vibrations, and more. When you spot problems, you can fix them with a few clicks instead of rebuilding physical prototypes.

4. Print a 3D Prototype

While virtual testing is powerful, holding a physical model of your product is a special moment. 3D printing bridges the gap between digital designs and physical prototypes, letting you create parts quickly and affordably. Just be sure to choose a CAD software that can easily export files directly to a 3D printer.

Start with smaller test prints of complex parts to verify they work as planned and make necessary iterations before proceeding to full-scale prototypes. To save costs, you can use different materials depending on what you're testing, like standard plastics for basic fit checks or stronger materials for testing mechanical features. 3D printed prototypes also help you pitch to investors and customers who want to see and touch a physical representation of your final product.

Get the Right Tools and Software for 3D Prototyping

Learning how to build a prototype is a big step for startups. The right software makes a huge difference. Here's what to look for:

  • Easy to learn and use: You need tools that work the way you think, with training and support to help you get started.
  • Affordable: Prototyping can get expensive, so look for free or low-cost resources like SOLIDWORKS for Startups.
  • Cloud-based platform: Cloud platforms let you access your designs anywhere, collaborate with your team, and avoid IT headaches.
  • Strong security: Be sure your software protects your intellectual property with controlled access and secure file sharing.

The SOLIDWORKS for Startups program gives you all these features and more, offering a cost-effective solution at a startup-friendly price – or even for free. Plus you’ll join a whole community of founders, mentors, and entrepreneurs ready to help you learn more about how to build a prototype for an invention. Learn more about SOLIDWORKS for Startups and start building the next generation of hardware technology.