Mid Fidelity
Mid Fidelity
Mid Fidelity
Physical Prototype
Overview
A Physical Prototype test allows us to rapidly validate a product concept with customers before committing to full-scale production. At Future Foundry, we use this method to bridge the gap between conceptual design and real-world feedback, helping customers interact with and react to a tangible version of an idea. This is particularly useful for hardware startups, product designers, and industrial concepts where seeing, holding, and experiencing a product can make a huge difference in customer perception. While 3D prints are not full-functioning versions, they help test form, ergonomics, and desirability before further investment.
A Physical Prototype test allows us to rapidly validate a product concept with customers before committing to full-scale production. At Future Foundry, we use this method to bridge the gap between conceptual design and real-world feedback, helping customers interact with and react to a tangible version of an idea. This is particularly useful for hardware startups, product designers, and industrial concepts where seeing, holding, and experiencing a product can make a huge difference in customer perception. While 3D prints are not full-functioning versions, they help test form, ergonomics, and desirability before further investment.
A Physical Prototype test allows us to rapidly validate a product concept with customers before committing to full-scale production. At Future Foundry, we use this method to bridge the gap between conceptual design and real-world feedback, helping customers interact with and react to a tangible version of an idea. This is particularly useful for hardware startups, product designers, and industrial concepts where seeing, holding, and experiencing a product can make a huge difference in customer perception. While 3D prints are not full-functioning versions, they help test form, ergonomics, and desirability before further investment.
Process
We start by reviewing existing low-fidelity validation evidence, ensuring there’s enough signal to justify creating a physical model. Once confirmed, we design a simplified but realistic version of the product using 3D modelling software, focusing on the most critical aspects to test. The Physical Prototype is then produced using rapid development techniques and presented to target customers in interactive sessions. We observe their immediate reactions, usability feedback, and whether they intuitively understand the concept. Some sessions may involve structured interviews, while others focus on hands-on use in a real-world environment. Post-session, we refine the design based on feedback, ensuring that any design flaws or unmet expectations are addressed before progressing to higher-fidelity prototypes.
We start by reviewing existing low-fidelity validation evidence, ensuring there’s enough signal to justify creating a physical model. Once confirmed, we design a simplified but realistic version of the product using 3D modelling software, focusing on the most critical aspects to test. The Physical Prototype is then produced using rapid development techniques and presented to target customers in interactive sessions. We observe their immediate reactions, usability feedback, and whether they intuitively understand the concept. Some sessions may involve structured interviews, while others focus on hands-on use in a real-world environment. Post-session, we refine the design based on feedback, ensuring that any design flaws or unmet expectations are addressed before progressing to higher-fidelity prototypes.
We start by reviewing existing low-fidelity validation evidence, ensuring there’s enough signal to justify creating a physical model. Once confirmed, we design a simplified but realistic version of the product using 3D modelling software, focusing on the most critical aspects to test. The Physical Prototype is then produced using rapid development techniques and presented to target customers in interactive sessions. We observe their immediate reactions, usability feedback, and whether they intuitively understand the concept. Some sessions may involve structured interviews, while others focus on hands-on use in a real-world environment. Post-session, we refine the design based on feedback, ensuring that any design flaws or unmet expectations are addressed before progressing to higher-fidelity prototypes.
Requirements
This test requires a 3D modelling process, access to a reliable 3D printer, and a clear hypothesis about what needs to be validated. Since Physical Protypes are visual and tactile but often non-functional, the goal is to test desirability and usability, not full technical feasibility.
This test requires a 3D modelling process, access to a reliable 3D printer, and a clear hypothesis about what needs to be validated. Since Physical Protypes are visual and tactile but often non-functional, the goal is to test desirability and usability, not full technical feasibility.
This test requires a 3D modelling process, access to a reliable 3D printer, and a clear hypothesis about what needs to be validated. Since Physical Protypes are visual and tactile but often non-functional, the goal is to test desirability and usability, not full technical feasibility.
Discover other experiments
Explore more real-world experiments that have helped teams validate ideas, reduce risk, and accelerate innovation.
