How do you balance speed and quality when prototyping new products?

We begin searching the IP. If no conflicts in the the prior art are found, we create a Design Plan with preliminary Drawings, and establish Design Inputs and Design Outputs. We access our R&D material stock and attempt to handcraft 1st generation models using the tools in the Lab. We buy new equipment if a new process is needed. If we don't have a suitable material, we search the internet for material we can model by heating, carving, pressing or milling, etc... The goal is to create a few functioning proof-of-concept prototypes we can test. We find 3D printing is more suitable for 2nd generation prototypes when we know more about the form, fit and function.

I work in the 3D world so my prototypes often need to be held to understand how the end user might interact with them but also to sell the idea in, It's about finding the most time and cost-effective solution. Can I find something existing I can modify, what parts can be faked out because they are secondary at this stage of the process. The most important question is what do you really need to understand from this prototype. Focus on that and leave the rest for later.

I would like to advise you to PRETOTYPE, like Tesla did … Tesla used a Lotus Elise to interest potential buyers for their first car. In 2003, the founders of Tesla had an ambitious idea (an all-electric 2-door sports car). In order to convince potential buyers to order its car, Tesla created a pretotype of what the car would look like. Lotus supplied Tesla with a ‘glider’ Elise - which was filled with models of key components. This was not a prototype, because the vehicle didn’t function. Tesla was able to show buyers a close proxy for the final design. Tesla asked “Will you put down a $5,000 deposit to have it built to order?” From this test Tesla secured several hundred deposits, a non-trivial result to reassure their Investors.

Make sure you identify experienced people who can help you by not only contributing with ways of making it right but mostly by sharing mishaps and mistakes he or she have already faced in similar situations. The less identifiable errors you make, the faster you will reach your objective. Speed is not only a result of going from point A to point B fast. But sometimes going from A to B nonstop, with no need to deviate or stop and analyze due to unsuccessful tests. There are many experienced professionals available as consultants, advisors, C-level as a Service.