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Creating
Final
Prototypes
WHAT WE ARE DOING
WHY WE ARE DOING IT
You are iterating on your prototypes by looking for ways to improve the form and the function of you innovation
You are iterating to improve how your project looks (the form) and works (the function) ahead of the final presentation
Iterations of Dyson vacuum prototypes - from earliest to latest (left to right)
Iterations of chair prototypes - from earliest to latest (left to right)
ACTIVITY MATERIALS
Cardboard
Colored Acetate
Bristol Papers
Zip-ties
Straws
Metal Ruler
Pencil
Markers
Cutting Blade
Masking Tape
Hot Glue Gun
String
Brads
Popsicles and wooden skewers
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?
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.
Professional designers make MANY iterations of their prototypes.
Prototype One
Prototype Two
Prototype Three
Prototype One
Prototype Two
Prototype Twelve
Here you can see the designer iterated many times using cardboard in order to figure out how to make a human-scale foldable building (seen in the last image on the right). With each iteration, the designer looked for ways to improve the form and function of their design.
ITERATION: Form + Function
Each time a designer makes an interation of their prototype, they're looking to improve its form, function, or both!
FORM: HOW IT LOOKS
FUNCTION: HOW IT WORKS
How could you improve the visual aspects of a hot-glued cardboard early prototype?
How could you improve the functionality of your device?
Discuss as a class!
Discuss as a class!
Be Precise- how you cut, clean (hot glue strings), and decorate your project can go a long way towards visual improvement!
Precise Cuts
Clean Project
ITERATION: FORM Improving how the prototype looks
Digital fabrication is an option for more precise creation of parts, which improves the look of your project
Laser Cutting
3D Printing
ITERATION: FORM
Using new mechanisms can better demonstrate and test the movement and function of a project.
ITERATION: FUNCTION Improving how the prototype works
Getting feedback from the end-users (or your teacher/classmates, if necessary) is the best way to improve how your prototype works.
ITERATION: FUNCTION - Improving how the prototype works
Continue to test and improve your project until presentation day.
Manage your time to ensure you have a presentable prototype in time.
LAST THOUGHTS: ADVANCED PROTOTYPING
Resources : Digital Fabrication
Find all the tutorials in the resources tab
Prompt
As we approach the end of the studio, our sessions should shift towards preparation for the final presentation of our projects. Unlike previous activities, The Final Prototyping phase will likely continue for several sessions/days, resulting in the the completion of a final, refined, physical prototype.
Make sure you leave enough time for the final activities that lead successful final presentation (where you tell the story of your design process).
Materials: Higher-fidelity materials for digital prototyping and incorporation of electronics.
Instructions
Using the skills developed in earlier activities, create a final NEW prototype.
This prototype should be a development of earlier iterations and ideas, taking what you have learned from testing and critique to advance the demonstration of your concept. You will be expected to make this final prototype as high-quality as possible - meaning: pay attention to the details (no hot glue strings all over)!
Deliverables
Once your prototype is complete, record your work with many photographs of your project.