Welcome to our series on the five (5) stages of the Product Development (PD) life cycle. Navigating the complexities of engineering cutting-edge technology throughout the entire product development life cycle, from initial concept to full-scale production, sets a solid foundation for a successful product launch.
In this series, we highlight the PD engineering journey to describe how integrating our engineering services with Valve Corporation helped them realize their vision to innovate VR gaming hardware to launch the Valve Index VR system. Join us as we explore the progression of the interdependent stages that underpin end-to-end engineering success.
In the previous blog, Stage 2: Proof of Concept, we explored how to define and confirm product feasibility. This next blog identifies the steps to develop a fully functional and manufacturable prototype through engineering validation (EV), also called EVT (engineering validation testing).
Engineering Validation: Turning Vision into Reality with Completed Prototypes & Testing
Engineering validation (EV) is a pivotal stage in the product development lifecycle, where fully functional prototypes are completed and tested. During this stage, we engineer our client’s vision into a testable prototype and validate manufacturing and supply chain readiness. This phase was crucial for validating the integration and performance of complex VR hardware and software systems for Valve Corporation. Valve leveraged our expertise in thorough testing and validation processes by collaborating with us.
Completing fully functional prototypes
Completing a fully functional prototype is essential to verify that the product design is manufacturable and performs as expected. AC’s engineering teams worked closely with Valve to develop prototypes incorporating all the intended features and components. We also use functional prototypes for rigorous testing throughout the engineering validation stage.
Objective: Fully functional prototypes are completed for engineering testing.
Validating product performance
Performance validation is critical to ensure the product meets user expectations and technical specifications. AC conducted comprehensive tests on the VR hardware to evaluate factors such as visual clarity, sensor accuracy, and user comfort. For Valve, this stage involved iterative testing and refinement to achieve the optimal balance of performance and usability.
Objective: Components are tested to performance specifications.
Validating product feasibility
Feasibility validation involves rigorous testing to ensure prototypes meet the defined requirements. AC conducts extensive tests on prototypes to evaluate performance, durability, and user interaction. For Valve, this meant ensuring their VR hardware could deliver high-resolution visuals, precise motion tracking, and comfortable ergonomics. At this phase, developers confirm that a product can be realized within the constraints of current technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Objective: Functional prototypes are tested for overall performance, durability, and user interaction.
Establishing baseline for supply chain and quality
A robust supply chain and quality control process are essential for scaling production. AC worked with Valve to establish a baseline for the supply chain, identifying key suppliers and setting quality standards for components and assemblies. This groundwork ensures that the production process is efficient and delivers high-quality products consistently.
Objective: Material supply and quality baselines are defined for production.
Defining product launch plan
A well-defined product launch plan is the foundation for a successful market entry. AC collaborated with Valve to develop a comprehensive launch strategy that included sales, marketing, and finance plans. This strategy outlined the steps needed to bring the VR hardware to market, from initial production runs to full-scale manufacturing and distribution.
Objective: Comprehensive strategy is defined for smooth product launch, from production to market.
Ready to move from engineering to design validation?
We ensured a comprehensive engineering validation process for Valve’s VR hardware development.
