Measure twice, cut once - make a prototype!

The saying 'measure twice, cut once' is definitely a good thing to keep in mind, specially when doing projects. Specially those of the 'furniture' kind.

I had an idea of making a 2-tier display stand to augment my anime figure display shelf and allow better use of the shelf height. This particular stand is for the Nendoroids though, since they're quite short and it's better to have them displayed in such a manner.

So I got the specs/measurements from the paper design, got some spare cardboard, old boxes, and cut the pieces as planned to make a 1:1 prototype/mock-up:



Not bad, don't you think? Considering all materials are recycled, and that it is being held up by clear/invisible tape.
It even held up a couple of my Nendos (though I had to take the pic quick as the mock-up was getting wobbly):



I'd like to add to that 'measure twice, cut once' - prototype if you can and have time. It doesn't have to be scale, but it gives you such a better idea as to how you want your project to look like.

Do you watch 'Mythbusters'? If you do, see how they do 'scaled-down' versions of big experiments first to get a better idea of what they will be doing on the actual scale experiment. And it helps a lot in the end.

Even in grand projects, like buildings. Architects do mock ups/models and show them out first so that they have a better perspective of the design. It also gives a sense of fulfillment, and also an actual object to be brainstorming or debating about.

Same with car manufacturers. Now these guys prototype a lot (and they should), since their design hinges on the quality, performance, and safety of a vehicle. Not to mention the overall looks (Note: I guess with the Pontiac Aztek, everyone in the design phase decided to pitch in and someone forgot to filter out the essential designs. There's also a saying, 'too many cooks can spoil the broth'....).

Granted, prototyping/making a mock-up wouldn't be applicable to all projects, but for those that it is applicable too, it will sure open up more ideas and thoughts to make your actual project be better and a lot 'cooler'.

So next time you have a project in mind, maybe think about making a prototype/mock-up of your idea, should the time and resources permit.

In my case, this 2-tier stand mock-up showed me what I wanted and was even able to try it out. With it I can also share the actual design with a good friend, who will hopefully be helping me with the actual project.

As for what kind of wood...and what color...hmmm.... ;-)