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Creating
Final
Prototype
WHAT WE ARE DOING
WHY WE ARE DOING IT
You are iterating on your prototypes by looking for ways to improve the form and the function of you innovation
You are iterating to improve how your project looks (the form) and works (the function) ahead of the final presentation
Iterations of Dyson vacuum prototypes - from earliest to latest (left to right)
Iterations of chair prototypes - from earliest to latest (left to right)
ACTIVITY MATERIALS
Cardboard
Colored Acetate
Bristol Papers
Zip-ties
Straws
Metal Ruler
Pencil
Markers
Cutting Blade
Masking Tape
Hot Glue Gun
String
Brads
Popsicles and wooden skewers
1st
Reflect on the First Prototype
Begin by reflecting on your earlier prototypes. Engage with questions such as:
- What materials and methods would be best for constructing the next prototype, considering the lessons learned from what you've made so far?
- Reflect on your current prototype and consider its strengths and weaknesses. Seek feedback from end users or classmates.
- Ask yourself: Are there any weak points in my prototype that are easily broken? How can I make them stronger?
- Evaluate the neatness and aesthetics of your prototype: Is there visible glue and tape? How can I improve the overall appearance?
- Assess the fit and finish of your prototype: Do the pieces fit well together with clean edges? How can I enhance the overall assembly?
2nd
3rd
Consider Integration of Advanced Techniques
Consider incorporating advanced techniques such as electronics, laser cutting, or 3D printing to enhance your installation. Explore how these techniques can be used to improve the functionality and aesthetics of your prototype.
Make your Final Prototype
Using carefully selected materials, construct your final iteration of the prototype. Pay attention to cleaner cuts, more precise construction, and the overall presentation of your prototype.
As we iterate on our designs, our prototypes should improve in quality and in their ability to more accurately represent and demonstrate our project's concept.
Professional designers make MANY iterations of their prototypes.
Prototype One
Prototype Two
Prototype two
ITERATION: Form + Function
Each time a designer makes an interation of their prototype, they're looking to improve its form, function, or both!
FORM: HOW IT LOOKS
FUNCTION: HOW IT WORKS
How could you improve the visual aspects of a hot-glued cardboard early prototype?
How could you improve the functionality of your device?
Discuss as a class!
Discuss as a class!
Be Precise- how you cut, clean (hot glue strings), and decorate your project can go a long way towards visual improvement!
Precise Cuts
Clean Project
ITERATION: FORM Improving how the prototype looks
Digital fabrication is an option for more precise creation of parts, which improves the look of your project
Laser Cutting
3D Printing
ITERATION: FORM
Using new mechanisms can better demonstrate and test the movement and function of a project.
ITERATION: FUNCTION Improving how the prototype works
Integrating electonics
ITERATION: FUNCTION Improving how the prototype works
LED Light integrated
To create your advanced prototype, you need to decide which parts will be 3D printed (small or complex pieces) and which parts will form the main body, usually made by laser cutting. You can choose to use only 3D printing, only laser cutting, or a combination of both. Once you’ve made this decision, you can start modeling each part in the appropriate software.
Keep in mind we are not 3d printing or laser cutting the artifact but the display for it
3D Printed
Laser Cut
ACTIVITY PROMPT
To laser-cut your design, export it as an SVG (vector) file and send that to the printer or laser-cutting service. There are many programs and workflows you can use to create SVGs.
To prepare a design for 3D printing, create a 3D model and export it as an STL or OBJ file, which can be sent to a 3D printer. Here are common software options:
Laser cutting
3D Printing
- XTool (Free, very easy)
- Inkscape (free, intermediate)
- Adobe Illustrator (, intermediate)
- Fusion 360 (License needed , intermediate)
- AutoCAD (License needed , intermediate)
- Rhino ( License needed , Advanced )
- Tinkercad (Free, very easy)
- SketchUp – (Free or license, intermediate)
- Fusion 360 (License needed, intermediate)
- AutoCAD (License needed , intermediate)
- Blender (Free, Advanced)
- Rhino – (License needed, Advanced)
- SolidWorks – (License needed, Advanced)
2D Designs
3D Designs
For 2D & 3D drawings -> Tinkercad
Check the following folders to explore those tools!
START WITH THE LIBRARY
1st
Before you start modeling or preparing files for laser cutting or 3D printing, take the time to go through tutorials for the software you have chosen. This ensures you understand the basic tools, workflows, and export options needed for your prototype. Practice small exercises from the tutorials to get comfortable with the interface and commands.
Practicing
2nd
- For 3D printing: creating 3D shapes, combining parts, scaling, exporting STL/OBJ.
- For laser cutting: creating 3D shapes, exporting SVG, setting cut vs. engrave lines.
Before using any software, start by drawing your basic shapes on paper. Include dimensions for each part, similar to an IKEA manual, where you can see all the individual pieces clearly. This helps you plan your design and understand how the parts will fit together before modeling digitally.
Drawing your project
3rd
Search online for ready made files
If you want to save time or get inspiration, you can search online for ready-made 3D models or laser-cut designs. Always check the file format (STL/OBJ for 3D printing, SVG for laser cutting) and make sure it matches your software and printer requirements.
3D Models (STL / OBJ) for 3D Printing
- Thingiverse
- MyMiniFactory
- Cults3D
- GrabCAD
2D Files (SVG) for Laser Cutting
- Makercase
- Freepik
- Vecteezy
- Boxes.py / Box Generator
Once you're done, save your work and upload it on the platform (always have your file backed up online ). Also take screenshots of your work to add to your final presentation
Saving your work
4th
- For 3D printing: Exporting STL/OBJ.
- For laser cutting: Exporting SVG, setting cut vs. engrave lines.
EXAMPLES OF FINAL PROJECTS
EXAMPLES OF FINAL PROJECTS
Resource Cards: Iron, PV Cells, Bricks, Copper.
Event Cards: Vandal Hunter, Upgrade, Steal.
Tokens: Solar Panels, Wind Turbines, Rookie Engineer.
Functional Pieces: Dice, Road segments.
Continue to test and improve your project until presentation day.
Manage your time to ensure you have a presentable prototype in time.
Prompt
As we approach the end of the studio, our sessions should shift towards preparation for the final presentation of our projects. Unlike previous activities, The Final Prototyping phase will likely continue for several sessions/days, resulting in the the completion of a final, refined, physical prototype.
Make sure you leave enough time for the final activities that lead successful final presentation (where you tell the story of your design process).
Materials: Higher-fidelity materials for digital prototyping and incorporation of electronics.
Instructions
Using the skills developed in earlier activities, create a final NEW prototype.
This prototype should be a development of earlier iterations and ideas, taking what you have learned from testing and critique to advance the demonstration of your concept. You will be expected to make this final prototype as high-quality as possible - meaning: pay attention to the details (no hot glue strings all over)!
Deliverables
Once your prototype is complete, record your work with many photographs of your project.