Prototype Builds

Proof of principle rigs, test rigs, engineering builds and show prototypes, each planned around what it needs to prove, so every build earns its cost.

3D printed brackets, pole caps and washers for the ONO food stall, laid out on a Venn Projects workbench

What should a prototype prove?

One thing at a time. A proof of principle shows the idea works. A model that looks the part tests whether customers want it. An engineering build shows the design can be made, assembled and tested.

I often see ventures trip up on their prototyping strategy, asking one build to answer every question, or starting the next before the last has taught them anything. So I start by agreeing which learnings you need at each step of development, then plan the cheapest build that gets each one.

What do I build?

Unpainted aluminium prototype bike frame, built up and ready to ride

01

Proof of principle rigs

Quick, honest rigs that show a mechanism, a load path or a control idea works, before any styling or detail goes on top.

Load cell data logger built from an S type load cell, load cell amplifier, Arduino Uno and SD card module

02

Test rigs and data loggers

Fatigue rigs, load rigs and data loggers that measure what a product really sees in use, so the design is based on numbers rather than guesses.

Gloved hands running a pit stop wheel gun onto a wheel nut on a test fixture

03

Engineering and pilot builds

Builds from production intent parts that prove the design can be assembled, tested and serviced, then support through pilot production so problems surface on the first batch rather than in the field.

The finished ONO food stall set up and serving under a stone colonnade

04

Show prototypes

Prototypes good enough to put in front of customers or on a trade show stand, without pretending to be production.

Where are the builds done?

It depends on the build: in my Banbury workshop, on site with your team, or with a third-party batch assembler, wherever around the world they happen to be located. Whichever it is, I manage the parts, the build and the testing, and you get the results written up so the next decision is clear.

How does an engagement work?

Usually as a fixed scope for each build: what it needs to prove, what it costs and when it’s ready. It also runs inside a wider design engagement, a day or two a week. There’s more on how engagements are set up on the How We Work Together page.

The design behind each build is covered under Product Design Engineering.

Case studies: PiperMoto J1 · EAV Cargo · Vax Commercial · Islabikes

Ready to take the next step?

Tell me about your project and I’ll get back to you within one working day.