While digital prototyping has become increasingly popular due to cost and speed advantages, physical mockups remain crucial in many industries. For example, in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, physical models are essential for safety testing and aerodynamic analysis. The same applies to medical device manufacturing, where real-world usability testing is required. Even in consumer electronics, companies often rely on mockups to test ergonomics and material choices before mass production.
The cost-effectiveness of mockups depends on factors like complexity, material costs, and production volume. A highly intricate product might benefit from a physical prototype to prevent expensive errors down the line. According to this source
https://midhudsonnews.com/2025/02/23...manufacturing/, combining digital and physical prototyping can optimize the development process, reducing long-term costs and ensuring product reliability. So, while digital tools are invaluable, physical mockups still hold a crucial place in modern manufacturing.
