Since I started writing this blog I have learned a lot about the importance of creating rough prototypes even if it’s just to prove to yourself that your concept works. Your prototype doesn’t have to be a work of art, just functional. I have collected together a series of articles, videos and prototyping materials that I hope you will find useful.
Hand Mouldable Plastic
Sugru is a material which you can mould in your hands like plasticine. It dries after a day to a Waterproof material, that has a bit of give like silicone or rubber
Clay such as Sculpey or Fimo
Making Your own Prototype Moulds
Amazing mould putty or sculpey mould maker are puttys which can be hand moulded around things (such as a clay model) and then left to cure to create a mould that you can then use to fill with different materials.
TAP plastics have a range of videos which show you how to make your own moulds so you can create prototypes in a variety of materials.
Inventables – To Source Materials for your Prototype
Inventables has a great range of materials which can be used in prototypes or just used to spur ideas
Make your own Vacuum Forming Machine
I am not sure if I would dare try this one, but instructables has directions for how to create a home made vacuum forming machine a finished one is shown in the video below.
Ponoko Online Fabrication for Prototypes
Ponoko is an online site where you can get your designs made on demand (ie. One at a time)
Shapeways 3D Printing
Shapeways offer 3d printing via their website
Parts for Making Game Prototypes
Rolco Games is a place to buy dice, spinners and counters for your game prototype.
Materials from the Local Hardware Store
I have found the local hardware store extremely useful, and recently build a rough outdoor toy prototype out of plumbing pipe and some plastic funnels amongst other things. I created a rough drawing of my toy and then took that to the hardware store to try and find suitable parts. In the podcast interview I did with Peter Wachtel a toy inventor and designer he talks about finding most of the things he needs in the hardware store and that anyone who has done model shop (woodwork, metalshop etc) at school should be able to put basic prototypes together.
Take Apart Other Products
Using Universities or Fabrication Labs to Help Create your Prototypes
When I interviewed Inventor Lyndsey Young, The Queen of Easy Green she talked about how she had help with prototyping and IP research by a local university. Check if your local college or university could help you at all. There are also fabrication labs in many countries where you can go in and use their equipment (for a charge) to create your prototype)
Create a Video of your Prototype
When I interviewed Mary Ellroy Toy a inventor and agent, she said toy companies like to see videos of your invention. Create a rough prototype and then even if it doesn’t work make it look like kids are playing with your toy or game.
Making Paper and Card Models
Inventor Stephen Key is a big advisor of using paper and card to create your prototype mock ups.
Kenny the inventor, an Inventor on Youtube also uses paper and card for his prototypes
Make Miniature Prototypes to Test if your Idea Works
Mark Sanders who did an inventor interview about his Strida Bike invention started off with small prototypes to get an idea if the design would work
Articles about Prototyping
Creating an Invention Prototype – Start up Nation
A guide to prototyping yourself – Ayers Concepts
If you have any suggestions for other ways to make cheap prototypes yourself please let me know in the comments below