is a first sample (pre-model) made after the first designs of a product to see it in real size. We examine its form, function and ergonomics to get the first conclusions:
- Evaluation of the design proposal.
- We see precisely its form and its dimensions.
- Feasible according to certain standards.
- Realizable based on specifications in order
to proceed to the remaining stages of creation for its production.
In particular:
a prototype explores different aspects of a design concept:
- Early prototype:
demonstrates and verifies some basic functionality of an initial design, and does not usually contain all the functionality of a production product.
- Functional prototype:
presents all or almost all functionality of the manufactured product. Usually done on a different scale than the produced product, using different techniques, with an emphasis on the appearance and functionality of the original design
- Visual prototype:
shows the size and form of the product but does not represent its functionality.
- Study prototype:
is a form prototype that presents and highlights the geometrical features of a design without showing many details about some of its features such as e.g. color or texture.
- Experience prototype:
showcases its look and function enough to be a prototype for the end user. The data we will record from its use will be used for user surveys.
- Paper prototype:
it is a printed or handmade version of the first designs so that we have the first estimates of the product. Ιn this way we avoid to proceed with more expensive design proposals.
Wood Prototype:
usually used in final design proposals to draw final conclusions on the manufactured product before proceeding with research on the production process. It is a prototype with many details fully functional. It is combined with other materials such as e.g. metal putty to be able to accurately approximate curves or sculptural forms. This technique helps us to understand exactly the complexity of a design and render it in the best possible way.
The wood prototype in simpler designs, which do not need much precision in its forms, are chosen for the production of molds before casting the produced product. Differences between a prototype and a finished product: - Material: The materials selected for a final product may be expensive or difficult to manufacture in the first instance. In some cases the finished materials may be under development and cannot be used for the final product. Prototypes on the opposite can be made of different materials.
Procedure:
When it is necessary, in a mass production process, to make small parts that are usually not suitable to be made in this way and are inappropriate, we can produce them with prototypes that can be made in a different way and with different materials.
Verification:
The final manufactured product may undergo a certain number of quality assurance tests to assess compliance with certain standards, designs and specifications. On the contrary, prototypes are manufactured with more care, assuming that they will undergo some additional processing or adjustment during the process of the manufacturing period. Some of these may differ or be completely excluded from standards that will apply to the manufactured product.
Restrictions on originals:
Simulating a prototype in a design proposal is not an easy process. By understanding the limitations of a prototype we try to accurately render the characteristics of a design.
Prototypes most often present inaccuracies and limitations:
- Limited performance in relation to the final product, due to the materials we will choose.
- Lack of time for performance with fidelity to the characteristics of the designed proposal.
- Cost savings especially in cases where the prototypes are quite numerous due to the complexity of the design.
- When a design proposal is iterated over and over again to achieve the construction of a complete design model, this can be costly and time-consuming.
The techniques of rapid prototyping or early prototyping applications to parts of the design model that are most likely to present a problem help designers and manufacturers to easily and often inexpensively resolve problematic parameters and proceed to completion.
