This short report outlines the value in using physical prototypes at decision points in an organization. Thoughtleaders prototype early and prototype often.

1. The Strategic Value of Prototypes
Our approach to prototyping was developed by designers,
engineers and technicians to provide the kind of prototype parts
they want and need as essential tools in product
development. The goal of this group then was to support the
company in being first to market with emerging technologies. Our
design team wrapped these technology products in well-
considered, well-executed industrial design and mechanically
engineered solutions all way before injection molding tooling was
ordered. This prototyping capability became a critical tool to the
development of the larger company’s reputation as a true
technology innovator.
The team’s normal approach was to attend a trade show with a dozen operating products in
their enclosures running reliably before the first dollar was spent on steel production tooling. The
competition always wondered how we did it.
Prototypes and product models serve the strategic needs of a product producing company. Ideas
are proven or disproven with good models. Approaches are evaluated with little speculation.
Prototypes are developed to answer questions. Consider this truth: Prototypes tell the benefits
and results of your product development process to executives like no PowerPoint slide deck
ever could. A slick video you uploaded to YouTube two hours before the meeting cannot hold a
candle to a quality prototype. The company stakeholders and decision makers can hold and
touch the product or concepts when you use a good prototype. The comprehensive tactile and
visual experience gives those stakeholders all the information they to go ahead. It might even be
easier to get a good prototype. Your win in-the-boardroom plan may require a bit more planning
to use a prototype.
The FLIP video you made at home or CAD animation you let run overnight is a great presentation
tool and perfect for the next phases of excellent product development but nothing beats a good
prototype in the hands of the execs. In face this is the time to get feedback and some pictures.
When presenting the next steps to your internal team it will not hurt to have a picture of the CEO
or chairman holding the product prototype.

2. Team Communication, Decisions and Speed
The most effective communication tool in product development may require the fewest words.
Prototypes or models prove their value in a project team reviews and again later when an idea
needs to be sold to decision makers. When the time comes to make to validate a concept, use
models to make an effective evaluation. You can’t hold a CAD file and neither can an executive.
When a team of seasoned professionals needs to accelerate its product development process
they use prototypes. The quickest path to a quality product is to prototype early – prototype
often. The quickest path to developing a performance product is to prototype several levels of
prototypes.

3. Objet Prototype - Turn Around Time - Hours
Use Rapid Prototypes early in the process, cast resin prototypes later in the process. The
quickest path to cost reduction is to prototype often. Extending time between prototyping
extends the product development process. Models and prototypes help decisions to be made
with confidence, clarity and speed. Time out of market is usually the most expensive failure a
product development team can make. A good prototyping plan can help get your product to the
market faster.
Get to Know Your Customer
If you need to question a marketing executive’s assumptions, use a model. If you need to gauge
a customer’s actual response to a product before committing to steel tooling, use a prototype or
model. If you don’t need to do this, how do you know if you are making the right decision? If you
need genuine, valuable feedback from a focus group, use well-executed models. If product
reviews with individuals are your approach, use quality models.

4. Hand Finished and Painted Objet Models (2) for Trade Show
Business executives are evaluated on the good, timely decisions they make. Developing
products customers want and need is essential. Help gain the insights you need and find the
flashes of inspiration required to get ahead by getting models in front of customers early. Be
innovative by knowing how your customers think and what they really need. Observe their
reaction and the way they handle your product way before you commit big money to tooling.
Prototype as early as possible and get these models into the hands of your customers. Learn
what they think. Learn what they expect. Get into their heads and find those unmet and
unarticulated needs. Become the executive with the ideas that sell and have real traction in the
market. Innovate smartly.
The Secret of Design Executives and Entrepreneurs
Concepts always need to be sold. Without the right tools you may Selling the idea to a decision
maker is done most effectively with a model. CAD renderings and visualizations are great, but
when your reputation is on the line, when you need to build confidence in your concept, show
upper management a model. Many successful companies use Planet Proto prototypes and
models to attend a trade show before tooling is ordered. Many Planet Proto customers order 8
to 10 sets of models to fill with their components and take to a trade show. The quality of a
model shows the effectiveness of your design process.

5. Materials after a marketing meeting on a new Law Enforcement Related Device - Planet Cast
Prototype Qty: 7
Quantities of your product on display and working demonstrate that your entrepreneurial
company can make it happen and with confidence. Is there anything more important to an
investor than confidence? Give them that confidence with a high-quality model or quick (rapid)
prototype.
Planet Proto is a web-based system developed to provide high-quality parts and assemblies to a
larger marketplace. We know the critical importance of being on-market, on time with your
product. Use Planet Proto to leverage 20-plus years of prototyping and rapid prototyping
experience for your project. If you have questions about how to best use prototyping and models
to get ahead, call The Planet 1-877-34PROTO (1-877-347-7686).
For Industrial design, product engineering, prototyping, CNC machining and product launch
marketing
Contact: Keith Savas 256-705-6172
Inergi front Desk: 256-704-7700
Planet Proto is a business group of Inergi, Inc.