Prototypes and Simulations
Prototypes
An essential element of your design IA is the creation of a prototype for testing. Prototypes that you create can either be in a physical form, or as a CAD model. Regardless of the form, they must be able to be tested in order to meet Criteria D, as well as clearly show how they meet the marketing specifications.
The Internal Assessment for Design Technology is based on the design of a physical prototype that could be manufactured.
From the IB Design Technology guide:
“Students are not required to manufacture their own prototype; however, they do require a prototype of their design in order to evaluate and test it when addressing criterion D. Students are encouraged to manufacture their own prototype; however, this can be outsourced. The prototype must be of sufficient quality so that it can be tested against the design and marketing specifications. Students may require more than one prototype to test fully.
Guidance about creating a prototype
You are encouraged to create a physical prototype yourself. Doing so will give you a greater understanding of the process, materials, and inquiry
If you choose to create only a CAD model, it must be to a degree of accuracy and detail that it can be tested using FEM/FEA techniques (see Topic 3.4). In addition, it must be a tangible product that could be manufactured by a student or third party.
Your product can be manufactured by another person. However, your planning drawings must be of sufficient detail to make this possible. Our Design Department recommends you only do this in cases where fabrication is not possible using school equipment. The student will be responsible for all costs associated with this option
Simulations
A simulation is a model of a real-world situation. Designers use simulations to accurately, safely, and efficiently evaluate designs. Simulations can also play an important role in iterating a design. Common simulations include:
Finite Element Analysis of a design in a CAD program to determine its strength or characteristics under different types of loads (Autodesk Fusion 360, Solidworks are examples of software that could be used)
A spreadsheet that organizes and presents complex calculations (for example, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and Mathmatica)
Electronic circuit design software that shows how a circuit may perform (for example, Eagle PCB or Autodesk Circuits)
As a student of design you should ensure that the simulation allows you to better understand the design opportunity. Essentially, it must help you meet the design criteria for your inquiry and the IA assessment.
When deciding to use a simulation in your inquiry, you should consider:
The accuracy of the testing, the types of units of measure, and the availability of the simulation tool
Do the variables reflect those that would be encountered in a real-life situation?
Do the variables generate data that conforms to standard, recognizable units?
Are the visualizations misleading in any way?
Is the simulation freely available to a moderator or examiner?
How the variables are represented and interpreted?
Does the simulation allow for a suitable range of values for each of the variables tested?
Are there enough variables with enough detail to draw meaningful conclusions?
How the data will be collected
Does the simulation provide enough data points?
Does the simulation allow for multiple runs?
Is there variation in the results with each repeat run?
How the data will be processed
Can the data be processed independently by students?