2.2.4 Physical Prototyping

Physical prototypes are used to test ideas and gather insights that inform the development of a product.

A. Design in Theory

A2.2 Prototyping techniques

By the end of this topic, you should be able to...

explain how and why designers use physical prototypes (including scale, aesthetics, materials, function and performance) to enhance the development towards a final product.

Guiding Question

Why is it necessary for designers to prototype ideas as part of a design process?

Linking Questions

What ergonomic aspects should be considered when selecting prototyping techniques? (A1.1)
How are concept models used to generate user feedback in a user-centred design (UCD) approach? (B1.1)
Why are different prototyping techniques used as part of the design process? (B2.1)
How does a good understanding of prototyping techniques help designers approach modelling and prototyping of their potential design solutions? (B2.2)
How can prototyping techniques be used to evaluate the appropriateness of material selection? (B3.1)
To what extent can virtual prototypes and simulations model real-world situations involving structural, mechanical and electronic systems? (B3.2, B3.3, B3.4)