Prototyping and Product Testing

Start with prototyping

Begin with the Prototyping mind map that describes moving from abstract ideas to something concrete. It introduces reasons to prototype, including improving an idea before implementation and managing risk. Use its prompts about what to prototype to organize your first reading. You can then compare it with the other Prototyping map, which includes planning, tools, monitoring and iteration.

Explore decisions and feedback

Next, look at the How to Prototype mind maps. They raise questions about how a design will work, what it will look like and whether it will address a problem. They also connect prototypes with resolving uncertainties, making decisions and iterating on a design using feedback.

The Prototype map offers another starting point: it asks what might happen if something is built but does not solve the problem. Compare that question with the reasons for prototyping in the other maps.

Move on to testing and assembly

The Testing mind maps cover expected and actual results, action required, evidence and third-party feedback. They also list normal, abnormal and extreme test data. As you read, compare the testing terms with the questions about uncertainty in the prototyping maps.

There are no quizzes on this page, but you can use the Assembly and Finishing flashcards alongside the maps. The cards ask about preparation before final assembly and joint areas. Switch between the cards and a map to keep both sets of ideas in view.

Use the wider unit

Prototyping and Product Testing is a section of Design Projects and Coursework in Design and technology. The page also includes a slide set on computer representations of physical objects through 3D modeling. Use these resources to explore the section from different angles, then choose a map or set of cards to study next.