What's prototyping?

Creating a model of an object

with materials in hand

In a short amount of time 

Quickly test and validate assumptions

Communicate design intent with others

Assess form, materials, ergonomics

Collect feedback from end users

WHY DO WE PROTOTYPE?

Why do we prototype?

    Test the functionality of an idea & Validate Assumptions 

Communicate a concept quickly & Get Feedback

Visualize form & Materials

         Avoid too much detail 

        Invite improvement

         Refine & Iterate 

What to consider when prototyping?

Steps Of Protyping

LOW-FIDELITY

HIGH-FIDELITY

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LOW-FI VS HIGH-FI

Low-Fi

High-Fi

James Dyson, founder of the Dyson Vacuum company, spent 5 years developing 5,127 prototypes for the G-Force vacuum, the world’s first vacuum to utilize cyclonic separation.

NUVU STUDENT EXAMPLE

Low-Cost Mask Testing Device

Low-Fidelity

High-Fidelity

NUVU STUDENT EXAMPLE

"Mindfulness Eating Kit"

Low-Fidelity

High-Fidelity

NUVU STUDENT EXAMPLE

"DNA Discovery"

Low-Fidelity

High-Fidelity

NUVU STUDENT EXAMPLE

"Extendable Garage"

Low-Fidelity

High-Fidelity

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

High-Fidelity Prototypes

Easy and fast to make

Low Cost

No special equipment needed

Can look rough-and-ready

Harder to simulate functionality

Hard to visualize aesthetics

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Great-Looking

Good for showcasing a finalized concept

Helps with "buy-in" from stakeholders

Harder/slower to produce

Higher cost

Specialty equipment / materials may be needed

VS

CONVERGENT

THINKING

DIVERGENT

THINKING

vs

CONVERGENT VS DIVERGENT THINKING

Prompt:

Design a cow mug...

CONVERGENT PROTOTYPING

"GloFlo"

Convergent Thinking

Divergent Thinking

Leads to more feasible solutions

Allows students to go "deeper" into making

Seeks to answer questions

Risk of confirmation bias

Limited creativity and innovation

Can miss out on alternative solutions

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Encourages "Out-of-the-box" ideas

Creates more opportunity for discovery

Helps students overcome bias towards "favorite" ideas

Not all ideas will be feasible

Can be overwhelming

Takes time to produce several prototypes

VS

DIVERGENT PROTOTYPING

"Patch"

MATERIALS

Materials

 Tools 

 Connectors

Cardboard

Metal Ruler

Pencil 

Markers 

Cutting Blade

Masking Tape

Hot Glue Gun

String

Fasteners 

Paper

   Start with sketching

1st Iteration: Messy + Quick

2nd iteration: More precision+intention

3rd Iteration: Final Product 

Programs 

1st Iteration: Messy + Quick

2nd iteration: More precision+intention

Electronics

Ask for help and training if you are going to use a tool that is new to you. 

If you can’t receive training from someone in your household, find a different means to work.

Read labels and instructions on any product (adhesives, paints, etc.) before use. Toxicity or fumes, means choosing a different material.

Avoid melting and burning material like plastics and foams that may create unpredictable toxic fumes.

Power tools should only be used with supervision and proper protection.

“Never work alone”  & Unplug when not in use!

Hair up, sleeves, jewelry out of the way and safety glasses always.

Tips

Take things slowly. Pause frequently. Think ahead.

If you find yourself making silly mistakes take a break, clear everything off your desk and only put back what you need. Then take a stroll around the space/ yard before getting back to it.