Rapid Prototyping

The Key to Product Success

Rapid prototyping is a crucial step in the product development process, covering both physical and virtual models. It allows for the creation and testing of virtual representations of a product in a simulated environment, especially for products that are challenging or impossible to create physical models for. This includes large-scale industrial equipment and complex software systems. With VR prototyping, you can test the product in different scenarios and make changes before actual production. It also allows for user training and interactive presentations to potential investors or customers.

The Benefits of Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping is a cost and time-saving technique in the IoT industry. It enables a successful proof of concept (PoC) and reduces the risk involved in the development process. PoCs can be challenging, but rapid prototyping allows for the creation of mockups that can be shared with the customer for feedback and adjustments. This approach is low risk and high reward, as it doesn't require expensive hardware or extensive buy-in from corporate leaders. The customer only commits to the cost of the prototype and their time in discussing the proposed solution. In our experience, we see four crucial benefits:

1. It enables a successful PoC

PoCs are an important step before a pilot but are tricky in and of themselves to navigate. They require a clear vision of the work to be done as well as space to tweak and test to finally land on a solution that ultimately works. To not go in blind, we have found it immensely important to rapidly prototype our solution before moving forward with a PoC, to dramatically reduce failure rates at the PoC stage.
2. It’s low risk, high reward

Rapid prototyping doesn’t require expensive hardware, time on site, or extensive buy-in from corporate higher-ups. You’re simply creating a visual draft of the work that could be done for the solution your client needs. And once approved, you can move to the next step in the PoC.
3. It provides added flexibility

Rapid prototyping allows us to share mockups of our solution with the customer, capture their feedback, and make the necessary adjustments before investing more time and money. It also gives a potential customer the opportunity to visualize and better understand the solution and opt out if it’s not a fit.

How does this approach work?

The process is typically kicked off by first understanding the client's needs through consultation. The design and development teams then collaborate closely to ensure that the proposed solution is technically feasible and can be executed successfully. This allows for the creation of realistic and accurate mockups of the interface and features, giving the client a clear visual representation of what the final product will look like. This approach allows the client to make informed decisions about their investment, as they are only committing to the cost of the prototype and their time in discussing the proposed solution, rather than a full-fledged development.