Methods for Prototyping Strategies in Conceptual Phases of Design: Framework and Experimental Assessment

Abstract

Prototyping may be simultaneously one of the most important and least formally explored areas of design. Over the last few decades, designers and researchers have developed many methodologies for ideation, product architecture, design selection, and many other aspects of the design process. However, there have been relatively few methodologies published regarding the efficient and effective development of prototypes for new products. This research explores a methodology for enhancing the prototyping process. It is founded on extensive literature review of the best practices of engineering prototype development. These findings have been aggregated and form the foundation of a methodology for formulating prototyping strategies. This methodology has then been experimentally evaluated in a controlled design environment, and its effect on the performance of prototypes has been demonstrated. The method consists of a set of guiding questions with corresponding flowcharts and foundational equations that assist the designer to make choices about how to approach the prototyping process in an efficient and effective manner.

The Prototype for X (PFX) Framework: Assessing Its Impact on Students' Prototyping Awareness

“…Prototyping represents a large sunk cost for most companies that is overcome through the launch of a successful product; however, estimates indicate that 40-50% of product development costs are spent on failed products or products that do not yield adequate return 14,37 . Previous research has shown that breakthroughs and innovations made by engineering designers are dependent upon the ability to experiment and test 12 .…”

“…In order to understand prototyping at a deeper level and highlight the gaps in the prototyping literature, 46 papers were critically reviewed. We build upon Christie, et al 37 and Camburn, et al's work 14 by adding literature from engineering education 2,5,6,22,[38][39][40] , human computer interaction 9,27,34,41 , industrial design [44][45][46][47][48][49] , and design thinking studies 7,[50][51][52][53] . In the following section we use this literature to derive definitions for each of our prototyping lenses.…”

“…Two extensive literature reviews on prototyping research exist 14,37 and have sorted the domain work into two main fields, namely, engineering 37 and management science 14 . Camburn et al…”

“…Meanwhile, the later stages design have been largely overlooked, including prototyping and testing. As Camburn summarizes, "prototyping may be simultaneously one of the most important and least formally explored areas of design" 14 .…”

Designettes in Capstone: Characterizing the Impact of Early Design Experiences on Students' Capstone Education

“…Prototyping of ideas, at least virtually as part of a simulation, or physically as a concept or functional model 8. Relatively low-cost materials for creating prototypes 21,22,23,24 9. Implementing technology, such as layer-based manufacturing/rapid prototyping equipment, for quickly transforming ideas into reality, 25, 26 and 10.…”