Learning
– answering questions about performance or feasibility
– e.g., proof-of-concept model
• Communication
– demonstration of product for feedback
– e.g., 3D physical models of style or function
• Integration
– combination of sub-systems into system model
– e.g., alpha or beta test models
• Milestones
– goal for development team’s schedule
– e.g., first testable hardware
Prototyping
Prototyping
Types of Prototypes
Physical vs. Analytical Prototypes
Physical Prototypes
• Tangible approximation of the
product.
• May exhibit un-modelled
behaviour.
• Some behaviour may be an
artefact of the approximation.
• Often best for communication.
Analytical Prototypes
• Mathematical model of the product.
• Can only exhibit behaviour arising
from explicitly modelled
phenomena. (However, behaviour
is not always anticipated.
• Some behaviour may be an
artefact of the analytical method.
• Often allow more experimental
freedom than physical models.