Question

Prototyping is often used to test products and product ideas. Define prototyping and explain the benefits obtained from prototyping. What limits the number of iterations associated with a prototyping test? How would you use a prototype model in an operation for which you were responsible?

Answer 1

Prototyping is an in important step in the design and development process of a product or product idea. Prototyping allows its creator(s) to plan, analyze, test and evaluate to ensure the prototype meets the needs of the end user. This process can be repeated several times to refine the prototype but there are limitations when using the iterative design approach. Limits may include variables such as the current phase of the prototype in the product life cycle, available resources, changing resources and timeline constraints.

Prototyping is a crucial step in the development of a product or product idea that allows its creators to conceptualize a product and its capabilities. Once research has been conducted to identify a user need for the product, the prototyping process may begin. This process includes planning, designing, implementing, developing, testing and evaluating. This cycle provides a great benefits by allowing the design team to fail early, gather more accurate requirements, technically understand the problem and find resolutions to any conflicts that may arise. Not only can this be done quickly, but it also saves time, resources and allows for a rapid prototyping process to make improvements and perfect the product to get it on the market faster.

However, there are limitations to the number of iterations associated with the prototyping testing. The iterative prototyping process allows for the prototype to go through the cycle of design several times. (Remember, this process includes the planning, designing, implementation, development, testing and evaluation of the idea.) For example, once the product reaches the evaluation phase, it may need to go through the process again to improve certain attributes of the product. Depending on available resources, the changing requirements, the phase of the prototype in the product life cycle and timeline constraints; there may be limits to how many times the product may complete this cycle.

An example of how the prototyping process may be implemented can be explained through the creation and design of a piece of clothing. Let's say an entrepreneur has come up with the idea for jeans specifically made for athletic body types. They have realized a need for stretchy, comfortable jeans that conform to the unique body type of an athlete. With their team, they would then begin planning the requirements for the new pair of jeans. Requirements will include ample stretch, ability to conform to the body, retains shape, proper ratios for an athletic build and a 25" inch inseam for the average height of a typical athlete. The designer will then sketch mock ups for the jeans and provide this to the sewing team to create. Once this is done, the jeans will be tested on several athletes who will provide their feedback with pros and cons. At the end of the process the design team will evaluate the feedback and make improvements as needed. This process may be repeated until they create a pair of jeans that will be perfect to put on the market.