August 2003: The Advantages of Prototypes

The planning and design of many projects requires a great deal of communication between several parties. As the complexity of a project increases, so does the number of minute details that must be passed back and forth. To be sure all of those details have been properly communicated, we will often produce a pre-production prototype of the project. A prototype is superior to a generic sample in several ways that benefit everyone involved in the project’s production:

Removes the Guesswork - Many aspects of a bound book are difficult to visualize on a computer screen. A customized prototype takes the guesswork out of the design of the piece by allowing you to spot problems and find solutions. On a Wire-O book with a wraparound cover, for example, a pre-production prototype allows you to see exactly how the cover wraps around the binding elements. This is just one of many small details that can only be properly inspected on a printed sample.

Maintains Project Integrity - An innovative design is only effective if it can be efficiently produced. When a customer comes to us with a unique vision for a project, we strive to give them a prototype that matches that vision as closely as possible. They can in turn present this sample to their client as a tangible representation of their design. Very often, that can be the difference our customers need in winning a lucrative project.

Tightens Communication - Project details often pass through many hands during the design and planning stage. That can lead to communication breakdowns when intricate technical details go from finisher to printer, from printer to agency and from agency to client. A pre-production prototype ensures that all details have been properly communicated and allows everyone involved with the project to be on the same page, so to speak.

The Eckhart Advantage
At Eckhart & Company, we perform a complete range of bookbinding and ancillary services on a daily basis. Our experience working with a variety of cover materials and our extensive production capabilities allow us to turn your book designs into reality quickly and efficiently. Give us a call and let us know how we can handle your next distinctive bookbinding project.

Back Issues:

• April 2004  Turn Your Mechanically Bound Book Into a Display Piece

• March 2004  Large Diameter Spiral Wire Binding

• February 2004  Perfect Binding

• January 2004  Our Capabilities

• December 2003  Turned Edge Advantages

• November 2003  Semi-Concealed Wire-O

• October 2003  The Advantages of UV Coating

• September 2003  Mechanical Binding Inserts

• August 2003  The Advantages of Prototypes

• July 2003  Calendars

• June 2003  Index Tabbing

• May 2003  Plastic Comb Binding

• April 2003  Mechanical Binding Options

• March 2003  News From BookTech

• February 2003  Plastic Spiral Binding

• January 2003  Serving Our Customers

• December 2002  Wire-O Covers

• November, 2002 Spiral Wire Production

• October, 2002 Wire-O Binding

• September, 2002 Mechanical Binding Basics

• August, 2002 Cased-In Wire-O