Prototyping 4 Capstone THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Today we will/will not cover: COVERED TODAY what prototypes are how prototyping factors into real-world engineering projects how prototyping should factor into your capstone project when you should use different methods of prototypes mockups, works-like, looks-like what prototype resources are available on campus NOT COVERED TODAY Manufacturing processes Process documenting/portolio building Drawing Good practices for design of physical objects Design for assembly/disassembly Design for repair
Prototypes can be sophisticated 1 2 3 4
Or they can be very simple. 5 6 7 8
So, what s it to you? PROTOTYPE A tool to reach the end goal of a project Created to test or evaluate a specific idea Doesn t need to address, represent, or cover all product systems (Relatively) low time investment (Relatively) low cost of production May be used to convince others of value FINAL PRODUCT The end goal of a project Created to sell Definitely needs to have every aspect figured out, or a repair/update plan in place. High time investment High cost of production
Prototyping/Project Development In Industry Is different for different industries Consumer Product Design -> Agile Design Methodology Defense and B2B Products -> TRL/MRL Agile Design Methodology Focused on iteration and revisions More qualitative More classically associated with Industrial Design Technology/Manufacturing Readiness Level Focused on risk evaluation More quantitative More associated with Engineering For products/projects over $1M 9
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) Used to estimate technology maturity Readiness level determined by Technology Readiness Assessment Levels from 1-9 determine at what state prototyping and testing is required TRL 5- Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment: Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. 10
Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) Matures after product technology and product design are stable Used to assess/predict risk and potential costings of projects Levels relate to readiness of a manufacturing facility to support production of the emerging/target product. Level 1: Basic Manufacturing Implications Identified Level 10: Full Rate Production demonstrated and lean production practices in place.
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KEY Low Fidelity Prototype Medium Fidelity Prototype High Fidelity Prototype
KEY Low Fidelity Prototype Medium Fidelity Prototype High Fidelity Prototype
Low Fidelity Prototypes Used to test a LOT of wild ideas Quick, cheap, poorly made Could be MacGuyvered together Purposes: How would the user interact with this? I m having problems envisioning this concept. What might this system look like? 8
Materials for Low-Fi Prototyping Hot Glue Play-doh Cardboard/Chipboard Pink Foam Yarn 12 Legos K NEX Paper (for UI/UX)
Medium Fidelity Prototypes Tests key functions of a more developed concept Tends to take more time, cost Purposes: Demonstrating works-like value to client or others Evaluating usability of functions Allows idea generation around combining functions 13
Materials for Med-Fi Prototyping CAD Plywood Acrylic Sheet Metal Arduino/Rasp Pi Sensors Actuators 14
High Fidelity Prototypes Showcases final intent of product Takes a lot of time, cost Purposes: Shows all systems of products working together Used to get sponsors Troubleshooting before production Used for testing 2
How to Avoid the Trap.
KEY Low Fidelity Prototype Medium Fidelity Prototype High Fidelity Prototype
Do: Stay Focused on the Task at Hand. Keep in mind what the whole point of your project is. What is your end game? Don t waste time building things that don t help you satisfy your objective. Remember: You NEED to provide a thorough, workable solution with engineering analysis, you don t NEED a final prototype.
Do Not: Reinvent the Wheel. Don t design your own gears. Don t redesign old mechanisms. Use other, existing designs as a basis for creating an innovative product or experience. List of tried-and-true mechanisms: https://www.youtube.com/user/tha ng010146/videos (companion pdf attached to schedule)
Do: Make Prototypes for a Reason. If you finish the build and realize that you have no idea why you made it, you probably didn t need to make the thing. Good reasons for building a prototype: UX evaluations Communicating an idea at the expo Either Looks Like or Works Like Identifying unforeseen issues in operation
Do: Watch Out for the Sunk Cost Fallacy. If you re spending a crazy amount of time making something on your mock-up/prototype work, maybe you need to reevaluate your final design! Make sure that you grant an appropriate amount of time/money to your prototype. Especially watch out for over-designing/overthinking medium fidelity prototypes.
Do Not: Mistake Your Prototype for Your Final Product!= 15 16
Do Not: MISTAKE YOUR PROTOTYPE FOR YOUR FINAL PRODUCT! PROTOTYPE YOUR DESIGN, DON T DESIGN YOUR PROTOTYPE
Resources for Prototyping Invention Studio (M-F, 10-6pm) Montgomery Machining Mall (M&F 7a-6p, T/W/Th 7a-7p) ME Electronics Lab (Now in the High Bay!) (M-F, 7a-5:30p) Aero Maker Space Digital Fabrication Lab The MILL 17
How to Help the MMM Help you. 1. Before asking for custom components, check to see if something is available! 1. Don t ask for a welded frame out of custom tubing, when you could design your prototype to accommodate 80/20 extrusions with pre-made hardware. 2. Don t ask for a tighter tolerance than is necessary! 1. +/-0.001 takes a lot more time and effort for them than +/-0.01 3. Refresh the proper ways to dimension things! 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of3s6bjmksi 4. Double check your drawings/requests. 1. http://tinyurl.com/gtri-fab 5. Ask them for their opinions! 18
Questions? Veronica Spencer Email: vspencer3@gatech.edu Office Hours: Monday/Friday 2-4pm MRDC 2 nd Floor Lobby *Reminder of Portfolio Event