Darwin Innovation

Whenever a new product idea is born, especially when it is a novel product using technology, it is important that the idea is tried out. The most obvious way forward is to build a prototype of the system. If possible, this should be a real physical device of similar proportions to the end device should be built, but if this is not possible then some kind of on-screen mock-up still allows a lot of exploration and experimentation to be done. We have extensive experience of producing technically robust and engaging prototypes which provide valuable insight into the real factors and requirements for the product.

The building of a prototype should be treated as a development project in its own right, with requirements and processes that match the reasons why the prototype is being built. It may be that a quick-and-dirty proof of concept is fit for purpose, but I find that it is usually the case that the prototype will need to meet a variety of roles:

• an internal prototype to test whether an idea has any mileage;
• an example to show to internal management and financiers to help secure backing;
• a vehicle to excite current and potential customers about future products (usually achieved at trade shows);
• a technical test-bed to experiment with algorithms, architectures and platforms;
• a test bed for user-interaction studies;
• a device to be used during user-testing to demonstrate the idea and any options being trialed.

At Darwin Innovation we really believe in the power of prototypes to really bring a product idea to life and to quickly ascertain the key features, along with the biggest project risks.

The one health warning we have to make is about how the prototype is used in the product development process. Best practice dictates that the prototype is considered a cardboard model of the final system - great for reference, introducing the system and for learning from, but in reality not of a solid enough construction to be used in a product. We would fully recommend this course, but understand in the real world it may be possible to reuse some of the work - the key is knowing this beforehand, so that these parts are produced and tested to a level worthy of a product.