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Classifying Physical Models and Prototypes in The Design Process
Classifying Physical Models and Prototypes in The Design Process
ABSTRACT
This paper discusses model making approaches in the design process and also classifies broadly the
different types of physical models and prototypes. It also describes the fundamental principles of
different methods of model making and prototyping and questions how they can be used in the
conceptual and detailing design stages of the design process. The first part of this paper explains how
physical model and prototypes are classified and why it is so important for gaining a better
understanding of the designed product in terms of usability and technical functionality. The second part
of this paper focuses more specifically on how these tools are helpful or restrictive in facilitating the
creation of ideas, concepts and detailed design solutions following the various stages of the design
process. Finally a user-centered and cost-efficiency design perspective will be discussed with respect to
what extent models and prototypes are able to facilitate design changes throughout the different stages
of the design process.
Conceptualization
Control drawings or
models
By making physical model during the project. Final prototypes are instrumental for
early design stages can help designers to visualise assisting designers and engineers in the
and solve complex product and system design engineering development phases to confirm the
problems. For example in the early design for manufacturing and assembly.
conceptualization stages of the design process, However, it should also be mentioned that the
soft 3-D models complement the ambiguity of 2- final prototype is not the end result of a design
D sketches and drawings. Coherently with the process. Instead, Computer-aided design (CAD)
creative development of the design concept, the models or engineering drawings are considered
qualities of accompanying models are also to be final outcome of the design process, as it
expected to improve up to the level of a “hard will be the medium for design transfer and
model”. This hard model will then be used in the communication between designers and
detailing and materialisation stages of the design engineers.
process to refine the selected design concept
according to specifications as earlier stated in the
Visualization ● Visualization tool for early ● Support about shape, function, ● CAD , detail design stage ,
(Broek et. al, insights geometry, colour and product PCM, very detailed model
2009) (Masctelli, 2000) appearance can be judged (Broek et. al, 2009)
(Broek et. al, 2009)
Functionality ● Cannot be tested with actual ● Can be tested with actual size but ● Final trade-off of
testing usage , not functional with not full function criteria performances
(Broek et. al, ● Depending on the tested ● Depending on the tested function (Masctelli, 2000)
2009) function ● Not using the same material
● Not using the same material (Broek et. al, 2009)
(Broek et. al, 2009)
Physical testing ● Cannot be tested with actual ● Can be tested with actual size but ● correct interpretation of
(Broek et. al, usage , not functional with not full function criteria ergonomic data or of good
2009) ● Depending on the tested ● Depending on the tested function practice in the measurement
function ● Not using the actual material of individual subjects.
● Not using the actual material (Broek et. al, 2009) (Broek et. al, 2009)
(Broek et. al, 2009)
Marketing ● product appearance can be ● product appearance can be ● Express the added design
(Broek et. al, judged judged value of product to outsiders
2009) (Broek et. al, 2009) (Broek et. al, 2009) ● Results in higher user
● Incorporate early feedback satisfaction
from customers (Broek et. al, 2009)
(Masctelli, 2000)
Proof of concept ● Initial early stage model ● Semi detail model ● A very detail model in the
(Broek et. al, (Ulrich &Eppinger, 2012) (Ulrich &Eppinger, 2012) final stage of design to
2009) qualify the product design
against requirements.
(Broek et. al, 2009)
Editing ● When needed decomposed ● Editable models are assembled or ● Not editable and will lead
(Broek et. al, again and rebuild with different composed model (Broek et. al, to higher cost (Broek et. al,
2009) shape (Broek et. al, 2009) 2009) 2009)
Technology ● Not complex technology and ● Not complex technology and ● Complexity technology of
(Broek et. al, manual handmade manual handmade manufacturing
2009) (Broek et. al, 2009) ● Expose designers to potential ● Complex in terms of
future system enhancements number of parts, shape
(Broek et. al, 2009) (Broek et. al, 2009)
Communication ● Early communication with ● Communication tools for gaining ● Users expect the
(Broek et. al, management and customers buy-in of executive management performance of the ultimate
2009) (Masctelli, 2000) (Masctelli, 2000) system to be the same as the
prototype
(Broek et. al, 2009)
Figure 6: The possibilities costs of model making in relation of design process, adapted from Ehrlenspiel,
et al. (2007)
COST
Possibility to
estimate costs
high Possibility to
influence costs
Effort for
prototyping
Cost of
modification
low
Prototype
Soft Model Hard Model Presentation Model Stages of model
Model