TASK 6 | PROTOTYPE
TASK 6 | PROTOTYPE
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"You will first make a low-fi prototype to assess size, form + limited function. You will then create a final prototype that includes any changes identified in the earlier prototyping phase."
Low-Fi Model = Quick, rough, flexible → glue guns, tape, string are fine.
Final Prototype = Accurate, durable, high-quality → wood glue, screws, Araldite epoxy, etc.
Both prototypes must be tested with light, photographed, and evaluated.
TASK 1: INITIAL PROTOTYPE (LOW-FI)
Purpose:
To explore the scale, proportions, and overall form of your lamp design.
To test how the light source interacts with your chosen form (shadows, glow, diffusion).
To identify any design adjustments before building your final lamp.
Materials available:
Corrugated cardboard, foam board, blue modelling foam, compacted cardboard
6mm wooden dowels, wooden skewers
Cutting mat, craft knife, scissors
Glue guns, tape, string
Instructions.
1.Plan your build: Sketch out which parts of your lamp you will model (frame, shade, joints). Decide on approximate dimensions.
2. Construct your model: Use lightweight, easily cut materials (card, foam board, blue foam).
Use glue guns, tape, or string for quick connections.
Don’t worry about neatness — focus on testing form and scale.
3. Test with light: Place a light source inside or behind your model.
What shadows or patterns are created?
Does the size feel right for a desk/table/floor lamp?
4. Document: Take photos of the prototype under different lighting conditions. Annotate sketches/photos with what works and what needs improvement.
5. Evaluate: Record 2–3 strengths and 2–3 changes you’ll make for the final prototype.
TASK 2: FINAL PROTOTYPE (HI-FI)
Purpose:
To create a fully functional lamp that celebrates your cultural or wellbeing research.
To demonstrate craftsmanship, accuracy, and safe workshop practice.
To test and refine your final design with a real light source.
Materials available:
Plywood, pine, bendy plywood (lamination), compacted card
Dowels (various sizes), acrylic plastic
Coping saw, tenon saw, band saw, pillar drill
Adhesives:
Wood glue for all wooden joints (clamps if possible).
Araldite two-part epoxy for plastics/acrylic to wood.
Instructions.
1.Prepare materials – Cut wood and acrylic carefully to your measured sizes. Use the correct saw (tenon for straight cuts, coping for curves, band saw for complex shapes).
2. Join accurately –
For wood: Apply wood glue to joints. Clamp until dry.
For plastics/acrylic: Mix Araldite epoxy carefully. Apply sparingly to bond surfaces.
Avoid using tape or hot glue — this stage must demonstrate workshop-standard construction.
3. Assemble the lamp – Build the frame/structure first, then attach the lamp shade or diffuser. Ensure stability and neatness.
4. Install/test light source – Fit your LED or bulb into the lamp. Test in a darkened environment to check:
Brightness and shadow patterns
Safety (lamp does not overheat, is stable, no exposed wires if electric)
5. Document – Photograph your final lamp in use, showing different angles and lighting effects.
6. Evaluate – Reflect on:
How well does your final prototype meet your cultural or wellbeing goal?
How does the final outcome compare with your low-fi model?
What would you improve if you had more time/resources?
Example.
HOW TO: NEED TO TO LASER CUT CARD OR PLYWOOD?
Export Fusion to Laser Cutting.movHOW TO LASER CUT YOUR FLAT FUSION 360 FILES
You need:
Fusion 360
Adobe Illustrator
Note: when adding to Adobe Illustrator, the size may be larger (often double) - you need to resize as per your design in Fusion 360.
HOW TO: WOOD JOINING METHODS
Copy of Cross Halving Joint.mp4CROSS HALVING JOINT
Copy of Dowel Joint.mp4DOWEL JOINT
Copy of Through Housing Joint.mp4THROUGH HOUSING JOINT
Example (final) Prototypes.
KEY WORDS
(click to drop)
KEY WORDS
(click to drop)
Prototype - A physical (or sometimes digital) model of your design idea, built to test form, function, materials and usability — a “first version” that helps you evaluate and refine.
Mock-up - A rough version of your design that might not include full function, but shows scale, proportion and basic material choices — useful for checking ideas early.
Iteration - The process of repeatedly refining your prototype based on feedback, testing and reflection — each version improves on the last.
Usability Testing - Trying out the prototype to see how a real user would interact with it — checking ease of use, ergonomics, lighting effect, safety, etc.
Material Experimentation - Trying different materials or finishes in your prototype to see how they affect look, feel, light behaviour and manufacturing feasibility.
Functionality - Ensuring the prototype works as intended — for a lamp, this might mean the light source is in the right place, the shade diffuses light correctly, it's stable, etc.
Form and Fit - Checking whether the shape, size and proportions of the prototype match your design specification and fit the user/client’s needs and space.
Feedback - Getting input from peers, teachers, or the client persona about what works and what needs improvement in your prototype.
Refinement - The act of improving the prototype: adjusting dimensions, changing materials, improving joints/assembly, cleaning up finishes.
Validation - Confirming that your prototype meets the specification criteria (what you set out in Task 3) and responds to user needs, aesthetic goals and manufacturing constraints.
To do:
Add images of your final prototype and evaluate it, following the guided questions,
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