3: Prototyping

Question 1

What is a prototype / what can it include? When can it be used?

Answer 1

A physical or virtual model that represents all or part of a design

A prototype can be:
- tangible, physical object
- a virtual representation
- an analytical representation

A prototype can include:
- complete, full-feature objects
- partial models and elements of final design
- used at any stage of the design process

Question 2

What does a prototype help with?

Answer 2

prototypes help us to:
- learn more about the problem
- communicate with others
- reduce the risk that our eventual solution will be unsuccessful / implementing sub-optimal solutions

Question 3

How do prototypes vary with stage and purpose?

Answer 3

Early stages feature simple, quick, disposable prototypes
Later stages feature prototypes that help to resolve specific issues and typically require more effort and resources

Question 4

How can prototyping be mapped out - More specifically, what are the 2 dimensions that characterize and categorize prototypes?

Answer 4

Completeness: focused -> Comprehensive

Focused:
- Represents only a limited number of elements of the final design
Comprehensive:
- represents all elements of a final design

Physicality: virtual -> physical

Virtual:
- not a full, physical manifestation of the final design
physical:
- physically exists in the same way as the final design

Question 5

Classifying prototypes into the 2 dimensions:
1. A circuit board containing the electronics for a LED flashlight
2. A drawing of a wall-mounting bracket for a video doorbell
3. A fully-functional hand-held video game device given to a group of consumer testers to evaluate
4. a full size, accurate sculpture of a new car exterior made of modelling clay

Answer 5

1. Very focused and fairly/very physical
2. Very focused and very virtual
3. very comprehensive and very physical
4. somewhat focused and fairly physical

Question 6

Expand on physical prototypes: What are some uses?

Answer 6

Physical prototypes: a tangible model that can be used for many purposes
- determining whether a concept actually works
- detecting unanticipated phenomena
- systematically working through the last checks before finalizing design
- communicating progress

A physical prototype is often the fastest and most accurate way to answer a question

They can also be used to conduct experiments to:
- collect data
- confirm our understanding of physical phenomena
- demonstrate performance

Question 7

What are 2 examples of physical prototypes?

Answer 7

Form Study Prototype:
- A prototype to allow designers to explore the physical look, feel, and geometry of an object

Proof of Concept:
- A prototype to confirm that a conceptual solution can perform the intended function

Question 8

Expand on virtual prototypes: What are some uses?

Answer 8

• often faster to create as compared to physical prototypes
• can be often modified more easily than physical prototypes
• verify results of physical prototype

But…
- require a good understanding of what is being modelled
- are only approximations of reality and accuracy rely on equations stuff

Question 9

For a systematic prototyping approach, what is a logical strategy for choosing a prototype?

Answer 9

1. Identify the need of the prototype
   - identify the need for the prototype
2. Determine the best type of prototype to address the need
3. Construct and use the prototype
4. Reflect on the success and impact of the prototype and revise/iterate as needed