Sketching, CAD, Cardboard, and LEGO reveal distinct design process affordances

Why It Matters

Understanding these affordances allows design teams to select the most appropriate prototyping techniques for different stages of product development. This strategic choice can accelerate problem-solving, uncover critical insights, and lead to more robust and user-centred solutions.

Key Finding

The study found that sketching is best for initial ideas, CAD for detailed refinement, and physical materials like cardboard and LEGO for exploring form and basic function, with each method influencing the design process differently.

Key Findings

• Sketching primarily supports idea generation and conceptual exploration.
• CAD excels at detailed design, iteration, and precise form definition.
• Cardboard and LEGO facilitate tangible form exploration and basic functional testing.
• Each prototyping method elicits different types and levels of design activities.

Research Evidence

Aim: To characterize and compare the affordances and limitations of common prototyping techniques (sketching, CAD, cardboard, LEGO) in supporting early-stage product development activities.

Method: Comparative study

Procedure: A literature review was conducted to understand existing research on prototype characterization. Subsequently, a group design task was performed where participants used sketching, CAD, cardboard, and LEGO as prototyping methods. The study then analyzed the differences in design activities facilitated by each technique.

Context: Early-stage product development and design processes

Design Principle

The affordances of a prototyping medium dictate the nature of design exploration it can support.

How to Apply

When initiating a new design project, consider mapping out the key questions you need to answer and then select prototyping methods that are best suited to address those specific questions.

Limitations

The study's findings may be specific to the particular design task and participant group used. The comparison focused on a limited set of prototyping techniques.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: Different ways of making models (like drawing, using computer software, or building with cardboard/LEGO) help you discover different things about your design idea.

Why This Matters: Understanding how different models help you explore ideas is crucial for making good design decisions and showing your design process effectively.

Critical Thinking: How might the 'learning curve' associated with a particular prototyping tool (e.g., CAD software) influence its perceived affordances in early-stage design, potentially favouring more familiar methods?

IA-Ready Paragraph: The selection of prototyping techniques significantly influences the design process, with different methods offering distinct affordances for exploration. As demonstrated by Mathias et al. (2018), sketching is effective for initial ideation, CAD for detailed refinement, and physical models like cardboard or LEGO for tangible form exploration. Therefore, choosing prototyping methods aligned with specific design questions is essential for effective product development.

Project Tips

• When choosing how to prototype, think about what you want to find out.
• Don't be afraid to use a mix of different prototyping methods throughout your design project.

How to Use in IA

• Reference this study when justifying your choice of prototyping methods in your design project documentation.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of why you chose specific prototyping methods, linking them to the design questions you aimed to answer.

Independent Variable: Type of prototyping technique (sketching, CAD, cardboard, LEGO)

Dependent Variable: Levels and types of design activities (e.g., idea generation, form exploration, functional testing, problem-solving)

Controlled Variables: Group size, design task, time allocated for prototyping

Strengths

• Direct comparison of multiple common prototyping methods.
• Focus on the process and activities, not just the final artefact.

Critical Questions

• To what extent do the findings generalize to different design disciplines or product types?
• How can the 'ideal' prototyping strategy be determined for a given project context?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the impact of virtual prototyping tools (e.g., VR/AR) on design exploration compared to traditional methods.

Source

CHARACTERISING THE AFFORDANCES AND LIMITATIONS OF COMMON PROTOTYPING TECHNIQUES TO SUPPORT THE EARLY STAGES OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT · Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design ... · 2018 · 10.21278/idc.2018.0445