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 J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.eduPrototyping, Lecture Notes of J 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 J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.eduPrototyping, Lecture Notes of J 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 J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.eduPrototyping, Lecture Notes of J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.edu

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

Comprehensive Prototypes Adapted from: Prototyping, Lecture Notes of J Product Design and Development, ocw.mit.eduPrototyping, Lecture Notes of J 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 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