Case-study: PCS handheld unit

Prototyping for design exploration

Four Uses of Prototypes

1. Learning Answering questions about performance or feasibility e.g., proof-of-concept model

2. Communication Demonstration of product for feedback e.g., 3D physical models of style or function

3. Integration Combination of sub-systems into system model e.g., alpha or beta test models

4. Milestones Goal for development team’s schedule e.g., first testable hardware

Adapted from: Prototyping, Lecture Notes of 15.783J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.edu

Physical and Analytical Prototypes

Physical Prototypes Tangible approximation of the

product May exhibit un-modelled

behaviour Some behaviour may be an

artefact of the approximation Often best for communication

Analytical Prototypes Mathematical model of the

product Can only exhibit behaviour

arising from explicitly modelled phenomena (however, behaviour is not always anticipated)

Some behaviour may be an artefact of the analytical method

Often allow more experimental freedom than physical models

Adapted from: Prototyping, Lecture Notes of 15.783J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.edu

Focused and Comprehensive Prototypes

Focused prototypes Implement one or a few

attributes of the product Answer specific questions

about the product design Generally several are required

Comprehensive prototypes Implement many or all

attributes of the product Offer opportunities for rigorous

testing Often best for milestones and

integration

Adapted from: Prototyping, Lecture Notes of 15.783J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.edu

Types of Prototypes

Adapted from: Prototyping, Lecture Notes of 15.783J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.edu

Comprehensive Prototypes

Adapted from: Prototyping, Lecture Notes of 15.783J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.edu

Sketches for Product Package Exploration

Presentation Sketch for Client Communication

Sectional Sketches for Package Exploration

Learning

Communication

Integration

Milestone

LearningLearning

Learning

Learning

Communication

Learning

Manual Prototyping Techniques

Manual Prototyping techniques are good complement to CAD and RP

Plaster Forming Quick and inexpensive way to get large vacuum form mould

Vacuum Forming Quick and inexpensive way to get large freeform prototypes Prototypes of impossible-to-shell CAD model

Sheet Fabrication Quick and inexpensive way to get simple boxes Modify RP pieces or combine half-designed RP components to final

design Acrylic Shaping and buffing

Transparent parts Putty Surfacing

Last minute refinement to RP parts Spray painting and decorating

No equivalent digital alternative yet