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Mark 1 Prototype
Initial development of the first complete prototype of your new product concept idea. Guide to how Mark 1 Prototypes are produced and what you can expect.
Prototypes are an essential stage in developing a product so that it is ready for presentation to the industry or properly prepared for manufacture. The Mark 1 prototype is typically the first of various prototypes involved in developing a product, so prototyping can be very expensive and so it may well be prudent to establish commercial interest in your project before embarking on the prototyping process. Often initial basic physical models are creating to prove elements of the design prior to commencing this stage: Basic Physical Models
The Mark 1 prototype could be any or a combination of the following: a plastic, textile, metal, wood, mechanical or electronics prototype. It may focus on proving one or both of the following: form or function. Typically, this prototype would not be a visual prototype and you can read more about this type of prototype here: Visual Model
A Mark 1 prototype is typically a rough finish basic prototype designed to prove out some key elements of your concept. It is unlikely to be made in similar materials to the final product or in the right colours or with the right level of finish. Generally the cost of this prototype is kept low by disregarding the appearance and focusing on the function.
- Consideration of appropriate materials for the various components.
- Selection of appropriate prototyping method for each component.
- Consideration of tolerances and clearances to ensure functionality.
- Complex parts for the prototype are ordered from trusted suppliers.
- 3D printed or more simple components are built in-house in D2M’s prototyping workshop.
- Any necessary off the shelf components are sourced and ordered in.
- The parts are assembled and basic fit tested.
- The prototype key functionality is tested.
- Often the prototype is passed to the client for review.
- Any prototype refinements are established and noted.
This is a complete list of all potential requirements of this stage. It does depend on your project and your specific requirements and therefore all of these elements might not be necessary in your case.
This stage takes the initial ideas and turns them into a physical prototype for review to enable hands-on assessment of the concept for the first time.
This enables key decisions to be taken from an informed position having tried the core functionality and started to experience how the user will interact with the product.
This stage is particularly critical for technically high risk projects or projects that require correct ergonomics for effective use and user experience.
This stage would typically take six to eight weeks. The cost of this stage can vary greatly based on the complexity of the product the virtual CAD model represents. The cost typically could range from £1500 to £8000.
Three simple reasons:
- We are focused on your commercial success of your project.
- We’ve built hundreds of prototypes before and have the workshop facilities to do so.
- We have a diverse experienced team that can bring your idea to life.
Contact us today to discuss your project and to learn more about how we can help develop your project: Contact us.
Once concept development is complete, the next step is often more detailed consideration of the user, functionality and ergonomics. Click to read more about Industrial Design.
Mark 1 Prototype Examples
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Client Testimonials
What people say
D2M are excellent. The team responded quickly, listened to what was required and then in a very short period were able to turn that into a workable design. I'd thoroughly recommend them to anyone wanting rapid and innovative design work. A great group of people to work with!
Phil and his team are the ultimate professionals when it comes to developing a product and I recommend him to anyone wishing to take advantage of his services. Furthermore, his commercial awareness is second to none.
Phil and his team were fantastic to work with. Phil in particular really took the time and energy to engage with our project, allowing for an open collaborative space to innovate, bringing a great end result. highly recommended and looking forward to working with Phil and his team again.
The team was able to put together a varied and imaginative set of product designs. They were able to suggest manufacturers for the different stages of the development. Their design was able to cater to the electrical and heat constraints of the product, while being visually striking. They are a knowledgeable crowd
Having worked with several design consultancies in the UK, Germany, France and the USA, I have been struck by D2M’s ability to punch well above its weight in terms in a highly intelligent way, always taking into account our specific limitations and preferences as a client, to provide effective solutions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
