Understanding Mock-Ups: Types, Process, and Applications

5 min readApr 25, 2023

Today, let’s take a closer look at what a mock-up is, the process of making a mock-up, and the different types of mock-ups.

Currently, mock-ups are being used in various fields such as electronics/telecommunications, medical devices, sporting goods, automobiles, and toy industries.

Mock-ups are typically created for the purpose of evaluating mass production and productivity or for research, market research, exhibition display, patent registration for new product development, and must be made before mass production.

So, what exactly is a mock-up, and what is the process of making a mock-up, and what are the different types of mock-ups?

What is a mock-up?

Mock-up is a full-scale, static model made to evaluate product design.

It is a prototype made in the same form as the product that will be mass-produced and sold in the future to accurately reflect the product’s concept.

It refers to a model of an object or device designed to follow a specific design.

It is often produced to review the design, shape, functionality, and productivity of a product, and is used for consumer response market research, exhibition display, risk reduction for mold production before mass production, and patent registration.

Types of mock-ups

Mock-ups are divided into two types: design mock-ups, which are made to confirm only the external shape, and working mock-ups, which are made by creating a sample identical to the actual product to test assembly and operability.

Soft mock-up

It is made to grasp the shape of the product’s components by creating a simple size or structure to see the visual feel.
Design mock-up

It refers to making the outer appearance according to the design drawing to see the product’s appearance and to review and modify the shape, structure, and color to confirm the perfect design.
Working mock-up

It refers to making the outer appearance and assembling the internal parts so that it can operate like the actual product.

It is made to check and supplement functional and performance problems to minimize unnecessary costs in mold production and production processes before mass production.

Application fields

Mass production and productivity review
Research purpose
Market research
Prototype for consultation and exhibition
Patent registration for new product development
Production process

What is the preparation process for mock-up production?

The general process for product development is idea generation → market research → design → 3D design → prototype production → mock-up production → working mock-up → mold, injection, and the process is sometimes omitted as needed.

One of the many reasons for making prototypes is to commercialize ideas.

Without knowing the details and developing only with ideas, a lot of costs can be incurred, and products developed only with ideas can often cause errors.

Therefore, to make a product with an idea, market research must be conducted first.

You need concrete product planning and strategy to see if there are similar products and how much they cost.

Although the process is costly in each step, if you skip a step, you may waste the time and money you invested later when modifying the product.

When we say that some steps can be omitted depending on the need, we mean that you can skip redundant steps or parts that are not necessary for the product’s characteristics, but not just skip any step.

For example, when developing a design product without any functional parts, the working mock-up process is omitted.

The purpose of mock-up production is very diverse, but in the case of product development, it is necessary to make all the steps and test the product because the goal is mass production.

This will make it easier to find and fix any design or functional problems before mold production.

The production method may vary depending on the use and purpose, but 3D printing and cutting processing methods are widely used.

However, when it comes to creating mock-ups and prototypes, it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method and determine which one is best for your specific project.

One popular method is 3D printing, which is ideal for creating prototypes and mock-ups quickly and cost-effectively.

This method is especially useful for smaller-scale production and for designs that require intricate details or complex shapes.

Another method is CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, which uses computer-controlled cutting tools to create precise parts and components.

While CNC machining can be more expensive and time-consuming than 3D printing, it is ideal for larger-scale production runs and for designs that require high precision and accuracy.

When deciding on a production method for your mock-up or prototype, it’s important to consider factors such as your budget, timeline, and design specifications.

By carefully weighing your options and choosing the method that best fits your needs, you can ensure that your mock-up or prototype is a success and that you’re able to move forward with confidence in your product development process.

At Get3DPrintQuote, we offer a variety of 3D printing services to help you create high-quality prototypes and mock-ups.