From concept to tangible product – efficient, practical and user-centred.
In this e-learning course, Lars Laumeyer – innovation consultant and founder of crenso – teaches you everything you need to know for a professional and resource-efficient prototyping process. The course is aimed at founders, start-ups, developers, students and researchers who want to turn their own ideas into viable products.
Course content:
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- Strategies for getting started with prototyping
- Functional and stress tests explained in an understandable way
- Tools and techniques: CAD, simulation, mock-ups and more
- Cost awareness: ROI, make-or-buy, production planning
- Safety, product liability and legal pitfalls
- Creative methods, team processes & hackathons
- Tips for collaborating with makerspaces, FabLabs & partners
Special extra:
Lars Laumeyer not only guides you through the theory with his experience, but also gives you insights into real development projects. He also offers free support for teams in the pre-start-up phase.
Learning objectives
What you will take away from the course:
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- Concrete steps for implementing your idea
- Clarity about meaningful tests, risks & optimisation potential
- A structured understanding of development processes
- Practical tips for collaborating with external partners
- Access to valuable resources for prototype development in the university environment and beyond
1. Why Prototyping?
In this video, development engineer Lars Laumeyer explains why prototypes are crucial for innovative products – and how you can reduce risks and achieve better results faster with the right types of prototypes (mock-ups, concept prototypes, functional prototypes and series prototypes).
2. Purpose of a prototype
In this video, you will learn why prototypes are more than just functional models: they are experiments with a clear hypothesis. Lars Laumeyer shows how you can save time, money and stress with small, targeted prototypes – and focus your development on the essentials.
3. Verification and refinement of prototypes
Learn how to use prototypes to clarify specific requirements, gather genuine user feedback and even carry out design or weight tests – without a fully developed product. Lars Laumeyer shows you how to gain valuable insights and avoid typical pitfalls with small measures.
4. Functional and performance testing of prototypes
In this video, Lars Laumeyer shows how you can identify weaknesses early on and avoid costly mistakes with realistic performance tests, objective measurements and well-thought-out test planning – a must for anyone who wants to bring products to market.
5. Building a prototype
Lars Laumeyer provides practical tips on how to quickly create better prototypes with clear goals, realistic expectations, agile planning and a good understanding of your target group – and how to elegantly avoid typical pitfalls.
6. Return on Investment, Frontloading and Co.
In this video, Lars Laumeyer shows how you can use frontloading and parallel concept development to set the course right from the start of product development – for lower costs, better products and shorter development times. Includes a lean startup approach and tips on the right prototyping strategy.
7. Softwaretools
In this video, you will learn how AI, CAD and simulation tools are already supporting prototyping today – from quick design mock-ups and 3D models to virtual crash tests. Lars Laumeyer explains in practical terms what you should pay attention to and when it is really worth using these tools.
8. Best Practices
Perfectionism or blind activism? Both can cost valuable time during prototyping. In this video, Lars Laumeyer shows you how to find a healthy balance between thinking and doing, how to use creative methods sensibly, and how to accelerate development processes with hackathons.
9. Prototyping design
In this video, Lars Laumeyer explains in practical terms how parametric design, reusability, standard components and modular construction make development smarter and more flexible. With clear tips for more structure and less frustration in everyday prototyping.
10. Manufacturing process
In this video, Lars Laumeyer demonstrates which manufacturing processes have proven themselves in prototyping – from 3D printing and laser cutting to clever conversions using standard components. You will also learn what to pay particular attention to in terms of safety, product liability and the ‘make or buy’ decision.
11. Conclusion
In the last video, Lars Laumeyer summarises the most important findings: from the customer perspective to modular concepts to realistic test scenarios. Perfect for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview and wanting to know how to develop innovative products with a systematic approach and focus.