Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about prototyping?

Hess: A lot of people think you need fancy equipment to build a prototype (i.e. laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machines). While those tools are great for refining ideas, you can get surprisingly far with paper, pencil, cardboard, and tape.

That’s usually where I start. When I need to test multiple ideas quickly, grabbing cardboard and tape is almost always faster than spending an entire day modeling something for 3D printing, only to find out the idea doesn’t work.

Q: Do people need a fully developed idea before coming to OriginLabs?

Hess: Not at all, but having a clear sense of what you’re trying to accomplish helps. You don’t need every detail mapped out, just a good understanding of what you’re hoping to learn.

Are you looking for help with 3D modeling? Want to explore a specific piece of equipment? Have a rough idea and need guidance on next steps?

Knowing what you’re looking for will help us point you in the right direction.

Q: What’s the first step you usually recommend for someone who doesn’t know where to start?

Hess: Spend time researching.

What problem are you trying to solve? Why should people care about it? How will your idea make an impact locally, globally, or both?

Understanding those answers helps shape the direction of the project early on.

Q: What should someone bring with them when they first come to discuss an idea?

Hess: A rough sketch or a basic 3D model goes a long way. Any kind of visual that helps communicate your idea will make the conversation more productive and help us figure out the best way to support you.

Q: What makes a “good” prototype? What separates a good idea from a good prototype?

Hess: The best prototypes I’ve seen aren’t polished, they’re rough, but you can clearly see the vision behind them.

When someone takes the time to build something tangible, even if it’s simple, their passion comes through. That gets us excited to help. We see a lot of ideas come through our doors, but creating a physical version of an idea shows commitment and helps move the conversation forward..

Q: How do you help someone move from a rough concept to something tangible?

Hess: It really depends on the person and their budget.

For those looking to keep costs low, I’ll usually recommend some of our free training courses, whether that’s 3D modeling, tool use, or equipment-specific training. Our laser cutter is one of the easiest and most popular tools for early-stage prototyping; it can cut cardboard quickly, so you can walk away with several different ideas tested in a single day.

When someone brings us on for design work, I always start with research. Materials, fabrication methods, components, the client’s overall vision. From there, I sketch. Sketching keeps things loose and lets me explore a lot of variations fast. Once I feel good about a direction, I’ll move into rough 3D modeling, then small-scale testing with the equipment we have here. After that, it’s all about iterating. Keeping what works, cutting what doesn’t.

Q: How do you decide which prototyping method or material is best for a project?

Hess: There’s a lot that goes into that decision.

How much does the person want to invest? Can we start with a lower-cost material for initial testing, or does the project already require specific material properties? If we’re working from a 3D model, does it make more sense to print it or machine it?

The end goal matters too. Are we prototyping for injection molding? Machined aluminum? Something else entirely?

That’s why early conversations are so important. Understanding where someone wants to take their idea helps guide the process. But prototyping is naturally messy. Ideas evolve after testing, and that’s completely normal.

Q: What kinds of tools or technologies do people have access to at OriginLabs?

Hess: We have three labs: woodworking, metalworking, and an additive manufacturing lab. Between them, we have a wide range of equipment including CNC mills, lathes, routers, a fiber laser, SLA/SLS/DMLS 3D printers, table saws, chop saws, MIG and TIG welding, a slip roll, box and pan brake, and a lot more.

Check out our tool library for the full list.