PROTOTYPING IN MECHATRONIC PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: HOW PROTOTYPE FIDELITY LEVELS AFFECT USER DESIGN INPUT
DS 92: Proceedings of the DESIGN 2018 15th International Design Conference
Year: 2018
Editor: Marjanović D., Štorga M., Škec S., Bojčetić N., Pavković N.
Author: Jensen, Lasse Skovgaard; Nissen, Laus; Bilde, Nicklas; Özkil, Ali Gürcan
Series: DESIGN
Section: DESIGN METHODS
Page(s): 1173-1184
DOI number: https://doi.org/10.21278/idc.2018.0415
Abstract
This paper provides a study of prototyping; with the aim of understanding how the fidelity of prototypes affects inputs by users. During development of a mechatronic padlock, 4 physical prototypes at varying fidelity were fabricated. 66 interviews with users were conducted. Users were presented with 1 of the 4 prototypes. The study finds; fidelity of prototypes affects users’ feedback. Though not linearly and without unambiguity. This underlining the complexity of prototyping. A better understanding of how prototypes are perceived can help designers in establishing prototyping strategies.
Keywords: prototyping, prototyping strategies, engineering design, product design