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Prototyping Methods
WHAT WE ARE MAKING
WHY WE ARE MAKING IT
the final, most refined, prototype
to prepare to present your concepts
ACTIVITY MATERIALS
1st
Reflect on the First Prototype
Begin by reflecting on your earlier prototypes. Engage with questions such as:
- What materials and methods would be best for constructing the next prototype, considering the lessons learned from what you've made so far?
- Reflect on your current prototype and consider its strengths and weaknesses. Seek feedback from end users or classmates.
- Ask yourself: Are there any weak points in my prototype that are easily broken? How can I make them stronger?
- Evaluate the neatness and aesthetics of your prototype: Is there visible glue and tape? How can I improve the overall appearance?
- Assess the fit and finish of your prototype: Do the pieces fit well together with clean edges? How can I enhance the overall assembly?
INSTRUCTIONS
2nd
3rd
Consider Integration of Advanced Techniques
Consider incorporating advanced techniques such as electronics, laser cutting, or 3D printing to enhance your installation. Explore how these techniques can be used to improve the functionality and aesthetics of your prototype.
Make your Final Prototype
Using carefully selected materials, construct your final iteration of the prototype. Pay attention to cleaner cuts, more precise construction, and the overall presentation of your prototype.
As we iterate on our designs, our prototypes should improve in quality and in their ability to more accurately represent and demonstrate our project's concept.
Prototype One
Prototype Two
Prototype Three
In this studio, this improvement could mean the incorporation of new technology.
LED Light integrated
in projection glasses
Motors integrated
in tremor gloves
Improvement could also mean prototyping with new materials and more refined methods of making.
Cocoon project utilizes reflective tape as its surface finish.
Digital fabrication is an option for more precise creation of parts.
Laser Cutting
3D Printing
Laser cutting
3D Printing
2D Designs
3D Designs
The "Klutz" Robot
Rivalship
NuVu Tool(box)
Laser cutting
2D Designs
Slip-Cast Ceramic
Zoom Widgets
Open-Source VR Headset
3D Printing
3D Designs
3D Printing
Laser Cutting
Can create more complex parts
Low cost & less waste
Huge support community
Generally slower than laser cutting
Post processing may be required
More experience needed to 3D model parts
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Extremely fast & precise
Can quickly etch details
Material range
Requires active ventilation
Higher cost
Less community support
VS
Using new mechanisms can better demonstrate and test the movement and function of a project.
To create your advanced prototype, you need to decide which parts will be 3D printed (small or complex pieces) and which parts will form the main body, usually made by laser cutting. You can choose to use only 3D printing, only laser cutting, or a combination of both. Once you’ve made this decision, you can start modeling each part in the appropriate software.
Keep in mind we are not 3d printing or laser cutting the artifact but the display for it
3D Printed
Laser Cut
ACTIVITY PROMPT
To laser-cut your design, export it as an SVG (vector) file and send that to the printer or laser-cutting service. There are many programs and workflows you can use to create SVGs.
To prepare a design for 3D printing, create a 3D model and export it as an STL or OBJ file, which can be sent to a 3D printer. Here are common software options:
Laser cutting
3D Printing
- XTool (Free, very easy)
- Inkscape (free, intermediate)
- Adobe Illustrator (, intermediate)
- Fusion 360 (License needed , intermediate)
- AutoCAD (License needed , intermediate)
- Rhino ( License needed , Advanced )
- Tinkercad (Free, very easy)
- SketchUp – (Free or license, intermediate)
- Fusion 360 (License needed, intermediate)
- AutoCAD (License needed , intermediate)
- Blender (Free, Advanced)
- Rhino – (License needed, Advanced)
- SolidWorks – (License needed, Advanced)
2D Designs
3D Designs
For 2D drawings - Laser cutting -> Xtool
For 3D drawings - 3D printing -> Tinkercad
Check the following folders to explore those tools!
START WITH THE LIBRARY
1st
Before you start modeling or preparing files for laser cutting or 3D printing, take the time to go through tutorials for the software you have chosen. This ensures you understand the basic tools, workflows, and export options needed for your prototype. Practice small exercises from the tutorials to get comfortable with the interface and commands.
Practicing
2nd
- For 3D printing: creating 3D shapes, combining parts, scaling, exporting STL/OBJ.
- For laser cutting: drawing precise 2D shapes, using layers, exporting SVG, setting cut vs. engrave lines.
Before using any software, start by drawing your basic shapes on paper. Include dimensions for each part, similar to an IKEA manual, where you can see all the individual pieces clearly. This helps you plan your design and understand how the parts will fit together before modeling digitally.
Drawing your project
3rd
Search online for ready made files
If you want to save time or get inspiration, you can search online for ready-made 3D models or laser-cut designs. Always check the file format (STL/OBJ for 3D printing, SVG for laser cutting) and make sure it matches your software and printer requirements.
3D Models (STL / OBJ) for 3D Printing
- Thingiverse
- MyMiniFactory
- Cults3D
- GrabCAD
2D Files (SVG) for Laser Cutting
- Makercase
- Freepik
- Vecteezy
- Boxes.py / Box Generator
Once you're done, save your work and upload it on the platform (always have your file backed up online ). Also take screenshots of your work to add to your final presentation
Saving your work
4th
- For 3D printing: Exporting STL/OBJ.
- For laser cutting: Exporting SVG, setting cut vs. engrave lines.
MIND YOUR GOAL
- Your final product should be a set of files ready for laser cutting or 3D printing.
- You should document your progress along the way and create a set of slides to present to the studio.
- Your presentation should include a demo of the project, including a physical prototype made from the laser cut parts.
Prompt
As we approach the end of the studio, our sessions should shift towards preparation for the final presentation of our projects. The first step of this preparation is the completion of a final, refined, physical prototype.
Deliverables
Once your prototype is complete, record your work with many photographs of your project. Photograph the project on and off of your body. Shoot video of your project moving and functioning. Upload all pictures and video to a blog post.