The creation of a prototype stands as one of the most critical stages in the process of product development. This stage essentially determines what the product will roughly resemble once it's completed. In essence, a prototype serves as an early version of the product to be developed. Consequently, the characteristics of the product, whether it will function correctly, all begin to take shape during this stage.

So, what exactly is a prototype? What purpose does it serve? What are its types and in which sectors is it predominantly used? Let's take a closer look.

What is a Prototype?

When developing a product, a "prototype" refers to unfinished or trial examples created in the early stages of the process before giving it its final form. It's used to test the functionality of a design. Prototypes can be utilized not only in the development of industrial goods, mechanical and electronic devices and application software, but also in refining service processes.

Creating a prototype allows a concept to be physically represented before finalization. It enables the visualization of a design once it’s conceptualized. This step helps identify any flaws or shortcomings in the product before moving to production. Prototypes are instrumental in managing the product's cost and devising marketing strategies additionally. Engineers or designers use prototypes to explain their concepts to other professionals, company management or customers.

Types of Prototypes

Depending on the nature of the product prototypes can be developed both physically and digitally. A physical prototype represents a tangible model showing how a product or service will appear and function in the real world. Conversely, a digital prototype represents a model of a product or service in a digital format, such as through video, animation or simulation.

Prototypes can be classified as horizontal and vertical prototypes based on their purpose:

• Horizontal Prototypes: These are used by engineers to showcase a product from a user's perspective and define basic requirements. Commonly employed in software designs, these prototypes help software engineers understand the program through the user interface. For instance, a gaming company might create a horizontal prototype for a video game and test it with a specific user group to identify errors and glitches.
• Vertical Prototypes: Used to test the critical functionalities of a product before moving to another design stage. For instance, a vertical prototype might be used to test the performance of a new smartphone.

Prototypes also vary based on the materials and methods used:

• Three-Dimensional (3D) Prototypes: Utilize 3D printing to create a realistic version of a product and help identify flaws or areas for improvement. These prototypes are valuable in simplifying extensive products like diesel engines or mechanical parts.
• Feasibility Prototypes: Used by engineers and designers to test newly added features in an existing product design. For instance, a prototype of a website or mobile application might be created to develop a new marketing campaign.
• Physical Model: Made from various materials like building blocks, modeling clay or construction paper, a physical model prototype can help analyze design elements and features. For example an architect creating a building with technological features might develop a physical model prototype to understand design elements and features.
• Virtual Reality Prototypes: These allow an engineer or designer to visualize their concept, often facilitated through virtual reality goggles or computer software. For instance, a virtual prototype of an amusement park can be created, allowing for exploration through augmented reality.
• Drawings and Diagrams: Among the most commonly used prototypes to express a concept or idea. For instance, an engineer might draw a draft of a new mechanical part.
• Video Prototypes: Created through animated videos or simulations to showcase the main screen, functionalities and user interface of a product. For instance, when developing a new mobile application, a video prototype demonstrating its main features could be created.
• Wireframe: Considered as the skeleton of a prototype, created using wires, cardboard, scissors and adhesives. For example, a wireframe prototype for a new toy car could outline the key elements of the design.
• Working Model: Engineers create working model prototypes to ensure the product operates as planned. These are typically used for mechanical designs that need specific mechanical fits, like a full-scale model of an automobile made from materials that mimic its final construction.

Industries Where Prototypes Are Most Utilized

Prototypes find application in various sectors such as technology, software development, engineering, healthcare, automotive, architecture, education, food, energy and environmental technologies, marketing and advertising.

In the chemical industry, prototypes are crucial in the initial stages of achieving the desired physical or chemical transformation of a substance. Design proposals are developed during physical and chemical transformation stages, followed by research in this direction. After the calculations for an accepted design proposal, the process of creating a prototype comes next. Following testing and design improvements, the production process begins.

“Energy companies use prototypes as essential tools to develop new energy technologies and products. Prototypes are used to improve renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines or hydroelectric power plants.”

Energy companies use prototypes as essential tools to develop new energy technologies and products. Prototypes are used to improve renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines or hydroelectric power plants. They are also used to reduce energy consumption and develop new technologies, such as smart grids and energy storage systems to enhance energy distribution.

Advantages of Using Prototypes

There are several benefits to using prototypes:

• Helps engineers or product designers convey their ideas to others.
• Offers applicable solutions to potential issues related to a product or service.
• Divides complex processes into smaller components for testing and analysis.
• Gathers feedback about a concept or product.
• Seeing whether an idea works realistically.
• Tests a product before mass production and ensures quality control.
• Allows for redesign if a product fails.
• Prevents loss of time, energy, reputation and money.
• Reduces risks with less investment.

SOCAR Wennovation Start-up Challenge

SOCAR Türkiye introduced SOCAR Wennovation in 2022 as an open innovation platform collaborating with global entrepreneurs who have ready-to-use products and services beyond the prototype stage, focusing on digital transformation. Under the Start up Challenge opened in early 2023 within this platform, numerous projects competed from both domestic and international sources. The winners announced in May 2023 were Alloy Additive, Delivers AI, Flyability, and F-Ray Fintech.

Let's take a closer look at the prototype of Alloy Additive , one of the winning ventures. This solution was shaped around the core idea of a printer capable of 3D printing valuable metal alloys using robots. Alloy Additive developed its initial prototype with a combination of large-scale rapid metal printing capability, robotic arms and software. Following testing stages on the prototype, this product was marketed as usable in sectors like aerospace, defense industries, petrochemicals, medical and automotive industries.

SOCAR Türkiye continues to take necessary actions towards developing high-value-added products and processes. We rigorously conduct research, prototype development and production processes at our Research, Development and Innovation Center, paving the way for the creation of designs that will make a difference for a sustainable future.

We continue to work for a better tomorrow with today's energy.