What is a prototype? A prototype is a virtual or real model of your product, something that enables a user or developer to imagine or experience how the product works. It could be an artistic 3D image, software, engineered CAD model or an actual physical device. It might made of taped cardboard or 3D parts that have been carefully designed and “printed” on a rapid prototyping machine. Why do I need prototypes of my invention idea? A prototype is the first step of taking the i

We start with a flash of inspiration, an itch we need to scratch, a problem to be solved, but our first steps in doing something are usually in the wrong direction and always can be improved upon. In the inventing of his vacuum cleaner Sir James Dyson says he built 5,127 failed prototypes over 15 years, roughly one prototype per day, for a decade and a half. That's a lot of failure, a lot of time and a lot of work. He didn't give up and eventually achieved great success. Is h

So, you’ve created an exceptional product and decided to begin the process of bringing it to market. Initial interest is strong and you may have even completed a successful crowdfunding campaign. Smooth sailing, right? Don’t get too comfortable yet; the sourcing and manufacturing of a consumer product is not a simple task. Done incorrectly, your product could end up costing too much to make or, worse, not being made at all! Before you get started, there are vital tasks to com