What a good prototype actually solves
- Validate proportions, comfort and real-life aesthetics
- Confirm the design is manufacturable (DFM)
- Identify setting/assembly risks
- Align finish expectations with a physical reference
When prototyping is worth it
- New design or new product type
- Pieces with stones or complex clasps
- Launches that can’t afford failure (retail)
What you should decide before prototyping
- Final material (or whether the prototype can be in an alternative material)
- Target finish (with reference)
- Critical points to validate (prongs, fit, strength, ergonomics)
How to reduce iterations (and time)
- Send key measurements and tolerances where they matter
- Define acceptance criteria for the prototype
- Feedback in rounds: batch comments and avoid daily micro-changes
Bridging to production: pre-series
Before full volume, it’s often useful to:
- lock an approved golden sample
- define a QC checklist
- tune the process for consistency
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