Case-study: PCS handheld unit Prototyping for design exploration
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