PROTOTYPING TECHNIQUES A2.2 - DT

Define fidelity

The degree to which a prototype is exactly like the final product

What is a low fidelity prototype?

A rapid and low cost prototype

What do designers use low fidelity prototypes for?

Experimentation with different concepts and iterations in the early stages of design

Are low fidelity prototypes efficient in the design process?

Yes, as errors are identified early before time and money are invested in their development.

What is a high fidelity prototype?

Highly detailed, functional representations of a product that closely resemble their final design.

Are high fidelity prototypes used later in the design process and why?

Yes, once the general concept has been identified and can be tested by the end user for feedback ahead of manufacturing.

What are high fidelity prototypes normally developed using?

Design software and resistant materials.

When are both analogue and digital drawings used?

When exploring, refining and communicating design ideas

What are concept sketches?

Rough drawings of ideas used to convey or refine what the designer has in mind when thinking about the solution.

Should concept sketches be detailed?

No, they should be done quickly and imperfectly as their main idea is to explore ideas, not to communicate them perfectly.

What is a perspective sketch?

Depicts an object realistically, getting smaller and closer together the further away it is.

What is an isometric sketch?

A proportional 3D technique drawn at 30 degrees from horizontal.

What is an assembly drawing?

A diagram that shows how components fit together to make a whole, presented in an exploded view.

What is an x-section sketch used for?

To work out the assembly of parts or internal details that may not be visible.

What is an orthographic drawing?

2D elevations of a 3D object which are required for manufacturing accurately. Drawn to scale.

What is a scale model?

A model that is either a smaller or larger physical copy of an object

If a model is 1:5 what do the one and five represent?

The 1 represents the size of the model and the 5 represents the size of the actual object.

Define aesthetic model.

Developed to look and feel like the the final product.

What is a mock-up?

A scale or full-size representation of a product used to gain feedback from users.

What is an instrumented physical model?

They are equipped with the ability to take measurements to provide accurate quantitive feedback for analysis.

Define prototype.

A sample or model built to test a concept or process. Or to act as an object to be replicated or learned from.

Can prototypes act as a bespoke one-off finished product or are they the final step before commercial production?

BOAF

What is virtual prototyping?

Involves the use of surface and solid modelling to develop photo-realistic interactive models, which can be considered digital mock-ups.

What are surface models?

Photo-realistic images of a product which offer some machining data but none on the interior of the product.

What are solid models?

Clear representations of the final product. They provide a complete set of data for the product to be realised including internal dimensions and volume.

What is generative design?

An iterative design exploration process that uses AI to generate a range of design solutions that meet a set of constraints set by the designer.

What is a digital human?

Computer simulations of a variety of mechanical and biological aspects of the human body.

What is motion capture?

The recording of human and animal movement by any means, like by video, magnetic or electro-mechanical devices.

What do people wear with motion capture technology?

The person wears sensors. The sensors track the position of the markers as the person moves to develop a digital representation of the motion.

What is haptic technology?

Technology that interfaces the user via sense of touch.

What is haptic technology also known as?

Force feedback technology

How does haptic technology work?

It works by using mechanical actuators to apply forces to the user.

What is virtual reality?

A computer generated 3D environment that immerses users in a simulated world, tricking their senses into feeling present.

What is used in virtual reality?

Headsets with displays and motion tracking for realistic interaction with virtual objects and scenes.

What is augmented reality?

Enhances our real world by overlaying computer generated digital information like images, sound and text into our physical environment.

What does the overlay in AR create?

Interactive experiences where digital and physical worlds blend.

What devices are used with AR?

Smartphones or smart glasses to allow users to see digital content integrated into their surroundings .

What does FEA stand for?

Finite Element Analysis

What is FEA?

Involves calculation and simulation of unknown factors in products using CAD systems.

What is an example of what FEA CAD can be used for?

Simulating stresses, heat and vibration.