[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"detail-sidebar-cat-1-en-105":3,"doc-seo-241346-105":53,"doc-detail-241346-en":127},{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":6},0,"success",[7,14,19,24,29,34,39,44,49],{"id":8,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":11,"show_sort_weight":12,"slug":13},11,1,"Template","Presentations",90,"presentations",{"id":15,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":16,"show_sort_weight":17,"slug":18},12,"Resumes",80,"resumes",{"id":20,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":21,"show_sort_weight":22,"slug":23},14,"Invoices",70,"invoices",{"id":25,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":26,"show_sort_weight":27,"slug":28},15,"Posters",60,"posters",{"id":30,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":31,"show_sort_weight":32,"slug":33},16,"Social Media",50,"social-media",{"id":35,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":36,"show_sort_weight":37,"slug":38},17,"Forms",40,"forms",{"id":40,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":41,"show_sort_weight":42,"slug":43},18,"Letters",30,"letters",{"id":45,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":46,"show_sort_weight":47,"slug":48},21,"Paper Templates",5,"papers-templates",{"id":50,"doc_module":9,"doc_module_name":10,"category_name":51,"show_sort_weight":4,"slug":52},158,"General","general-158",{"code":4,"msg":54,"data":55},"ok",{"site_id":56,"language":57,"slug":58,"title":59,"keywords":60,"description":61,"schema_data":62,"social_meta":120,"head_meta":122,"extra_data":124,"updated_unix":126},105,"en","from-idea-to-prototype-a-practical-guide-for-product-founders","From Idea to Prototype - A Practical Guide for Product Founders","","A practical guide for product founders, engineers, and makers turning new physical product ideas into working prototypes and production-ready outputs. It explains a proven end-to-end product development process, including discovery, concept design, CAD modelling, prototyping, testing and refinement, and preparation of production files. 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It helps readers understand the prototyping process, what to prepare before hiring a designer, how to protect ideas, and how to make smarter decisions toward manufacture.","Answer",{"name":112,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":113},"What are the steps in the 3DM proven product development process?",{"text":114,"@type":110},"The process includes Discovery, Concept Design, CAD Modelling, Prototyping, Testing & Refinement, and Production Files ready for CNC, 3D, metal, or plastics workflows.",{"name":116,"@type":107,"acceptedAnswer":117},"How does the guide recommend protecting your product idea and preparing a project brief?",{"text":118,"@type":110},"It states that work is done under NDA by default and the founder retains full ownership. It also outlines what a strong brief should cover, such as product function, environment, constraints, budget range, and timelines, with a tip to start with imperfect inputs like a voice memo or photo of a sketch.","https://schema.org",{"og:url":78,"og:type":121,"og:title":59,"og:site_name":91,"og:description":61},"article",{"robots":123,"canonical":78},"index,follow",{"doc_id":125,"site_id":56},241346,1791489925,{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":128},{"doc_id":125,"user_id":129,"nickname":88,"user_avatar":130,"doc_module":9,"category_id":8,"category_name":11,"doc_title":59,"doc_description":61,"doc_content":131,"file_id":132,"file_url":133,"file_type":134,"file_size":135,"view_count":101,"is_deleted":4,"is_public":9,"is_downloadable":9,"audit_status":9,"page_count":76,"language":136,"language_code":57,"site_id":56,"html_lang":57,"table_of_contents":137,"faqs":138,"seo_title":139,"seo_description":61,"update_tm":140,"read_time":9},687207020761,"https://ap-avatar.wpscdn.com/davatar_155a257f0dc6eb9ab79c44ca47cae57d","From Idea to Prototype A Practical Guide for Product Founders  \n\n| A free guide for founders, engineers, and makers building new physical products.\u003Cbr>• Step-by-step process\u003Cbr>• Tips to save time and money\u003Cbr>• Templates to help you start today |\n| --- |\n| Welcome & Who This Guide Is For\u003Cbr>Start Smart. Build Right. Launch with Confidence.\u003Cbr>Whether you've just sketched your first product idea, or you're looking to improve your prototype and take it to production—this guide is for you. At 3DM Design, we've helped startups, established brands, and inventors across New Zealand turn product concepts into real, working solutions.\u003Cbr>This guide will help you:\u003Cbr>• Understand the product design and prototyping process\u003Cbr>• Know what to prepare before engaging a designer\u003Cbr>• Learn how to protect your idea\u003Cbr>• Make smart decisions on prototyping and manufacture\u003Cbr>• See real NZ case studies of successful product design journeys |\n| The 3DM Proven Process\u003Cbr>1. Discovery—Goals, idea validation, IP check\u003Cbr>2. Concept Design—Sketches, layout, mechanical approach\u003Cbr>3. CAD Modelling—Full 3D parametric model, design for manufacture\u003Cbr>4. Prototyping—3D printing, CNC machining, off-tool builds\u003Cbr>5. Testing & Refinement—Mechanical tweaks, fit checks, user feedback\u003Cbr>6. Production Files—Ready-to-send files for CNC/3D/metal/plastics We work in SolidWorks, but output for any format or shop. |\n\nProtect Your Idea. Prepare the Right Brief.  \nIP & NDAs  \n• We work under NDA by default. You retain 100% ownership of your idea.  \n• If you don’t have one, we provide a Mutual NDA template (see page 8) .  \nWhat Makes a Great Brief? Even if you only have a sketch, help us help you by thinking through:  \n• What does the product need to do?  \n• What’s the environment (indoor, marine, wearable, food-safe)?  \n• Any size/material/weight constraints?  \n• Budget range and timelines?  \nPro Tip: Start messy—a voice memo or phone photo of a whiteboard drawing is enough to begin the conversation.  \nWorking with 3DM Design  \nYou Don’t Need a Big Budget—Just a Clear Need  \nWhat makes us different:  \n• 20+ years experience in mechanical and product design  \n• No \"big agency\" attitude—we work hands-on with NZ businesses  \n• Fast iteration using SolidWorks, FEA tools, in-house 3D print and CNC  \n• We help you avoid costly mistakes in early-stage decisions  \n• We don’t take equity. Your IP stays yours.  \nWhat we do best:  \n• Product design & mechanical systems  \n• CAD modelling and testing  \n• Design for Manufacture (DFM)  \n• Small-run prototyping and production support  \nWhich Prototype Do You Need First?  \n\n| Type | Best For | Notes |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 3D Printing | Fit/feel/form testing, quick visuals | Fast & cost-effective |\n| CNC Machining | Functional metal parts | Ideal for stress testing |\n| Mock-up Models | Initial visual presentation | Used for pitching |\n| FEA Simulation | Load, stress, movement analysis | Saves time/money before prototyping |\n\nWe’ll help you choose the right method.  \nReal NZ Product Stories  \nTectrax—Amphibious Vehicle Gear  \n• CAD execution, gear interface and mechanical layout  \n• Challenge: Harsh marine environment and tight packaging  \n• Result: Precision mechanical system tested in field  \nNorths Kiteboarding—Design Assistance  \n• Mechanical redesigns for kiteboard components  \n• Challenge: Lightweight but strong parts under extreme loads  \n• Result: Optimised geometry and better manufacturability  \nTallon Marine—Modular Mounting Systems  \n• CAD development and production prep  \n• Challenge: Tight tolerances and clean aesthetics  \n• Result: Fully manufacturable assemblies ready for production  \n\n| Templates to Help You Start Smarter\u003Cbr>Included with this guide:\u003Cbr>• Mutual NDA (ready to sign)\u003Cbr>• Project Brief Template (Word + PDF)\u003Cbr>• CAD File Request Sheet (shows what you'll receive) Need [help?](help? john@3dmdesign.co.nz)[ ](help? john@3dmdesign.co.nz)[john@3dmdesign.co.nz](help? john@3dmdesign.co.nz) |\n| --- |\n| Start ","cbCaijTV9fBS1T8E","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaijTV9fBS1T8E","pdf",33129,"English","# Welcome & Who This Guide Is For\n# The 3DM Proven Process\n## Discovery, Concept, CAD, Prototyping, Testing, Production Files\n# Protect Your Idea. Prepare the Right Brief.\n## IP & NDAs\n## What Makes a Great Brief?\n# Working with 3DM Design\n## What Makes 3DM Design Different\n## What We Do Best\n## Which Prototype Do You Need First?\n# Real NZ Product Stories\n# Templates to Help You Start Smarter\n# Start Your Project","[{\"question\":\"Who is this guide for and what outcomes does it help you achieve?\",\"answer\":\"It is for founders, engineers, and makers building physical products. It helps readers understand the prototyping process, what to prepare before hiring a designer, how to protect ideas, and how to make smarter decisions toward manufacture.\"},{\"question\":\"What are the steps in the 3DM proven product development process?\",\"answer\":\"The process includes Discovery, Concept Design, CAD Modelling, Prototyping, Testing \\u0026 Refinement, and Production Files ready for CNC, 3D, metal, or plastics workflows.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the guide recommend protecting your product idea and preparing a project brief?\",\"answer\":\"It states that work is done under NDA by default and the founder retains full ownership. It also outlines what a strong brief should cover, such as product function, environment, constraints, budget range, and timelines, with a tip to start with imperfect inputs like a voice memo or photo of a sketch.\"}]","From Idea to Prototype - A Practical Guide for Product Founders | PDF",1789173980]