Creating a Prototype
Pose Question: What does it mean to prototype?
Possible narrative:
A prototype is a version of a final product that can be used for testing. Designers typically make one prototype at a time. They use it to help them make decisions about changes they need to make.
Prototypes include detailed drawings, models, mock-ups, 3D prints, and other physical artifacts. The key is that a prototype is testable—you might not be able to test every requirement with a given prototype, but it keeps you from investing too much time in a solution that isn’t going to work.
You will create a prototype by designing your holder using the 3D modeling software, and potentially printing it out on the 3D printer.
Step 1--Creating the digital 3D model
Students should design their prototype in the 3D modeling software using the sketches that they made of their design solution during the ideation stage.
As students work, they should reflect on their product and, if needed, update their requirements based on issues that arise. They should then return to the Understanding page to add the new requirements before proceeding.
When they have completed their 3D rendering of the design solution, students should access the Prototype page of the EDPL and add a prototype using the "Add Prototype" button. 3D Modeling Software files are prototypes (detailed technical drawings.)
They should give their prototype a name, and choose the design concept that they decided was the best from the drop-down menu.
Students should add an image of their completed model to the Prototype entry in the image box in the EDPL.
Design Review Group Meeting test
Students should share their digital design prototype with a classmate or the instructor. If there are suggestions or changes, these should be noted in the reflection box associated with that test. In that case, students should indicate that the prototype did not pass the design review test. They should then return to the 3D design software, make the modification, create a second prototype, and repeat the test.
Dimensional tests
Students should verify all dimensions before 3D printing the prototype.
Step 2--Creating the physical prototype
Students should print out their physical prototypes. To expedite this process, the instructor may need to group multiple designs on a single printing plate.