Prototyping
I have chosen to include a general prototyping section of my portfolio in order to properly demonstrate my skills and knowledge in the area of prototyping.
It goes without saying that I, as a product designer, value prototyping highly and believe that it is a crucial part and must be carried out well.
Every project I have worked on has involved prototyping in one form or another. Whether it was wearable technology, data physicalization, gamification, or something else. I believe that prototyping can benefit the design process in various areas, such as testing and evaluating functionality, design, and feasibility before creating the final version, helping to identify any flaws or areas for improvement, refining the design, and gathering feedback from users or stakeholders.
Below, I will display particular skills and methods that I have found beneficial when creating prototypes.
Hard skills
Laser cutting
I have found laser cutting to be very useful when crafting prototypes. Quick cardboard mockups can be made precisely and efficiently using a laser cutter, and if you want to make an aesthetically pleasing prototype for a product idea presentation, I have also found this tool to be beneficial. When I work with a laser cutter I use various methods to craft the prototype such as; finger joints, Parametric Kerf, slotted joints, and stacking.
3D
I have basic training in designing and crafting 3D objects; however, this is a field that I have little experience in using as part of product design. I have knowledge of factors such as; infill, layer height, support, adhesion, and materials. I use Autodesk Fusion 360 and CURA to make my 3D prints. I am open to learning more about 3D prints and how it can be applied to product design.
Electric circuits
Sometimes I have experienced that knowledge of how an electric circuit functions truly empowers the making of electronic prototypes. Furthermore, it makes interdisciplinary collaboration with engineers easier due to the understanding of the terminology and reactions occurring within the circuits. I have a general knowledge of the components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
Vinyl plotting
This skill can come in handy when you want to make illustrations and presentations stand out and appear razor-sharp. Moreover, you can apply vinyl to various surfaces using the right tools. As an example, then I have used vinyl to cover a restroom trailer in flowers and leaves, to make it blend into the surrounding nature. I design in Adobe Illustrator using the CMYK color system.
Acrylic craft
I find acrylic to be a very interesting material to work with when crafting prototypes, so I have experimented with processing it and utilizing it for various purposes. The material can be bent, frosted, engraved, etc., giving it an aesthetically streamlined and simple appearance that draws focus to the desired areas.
Adobe Illustrator
If I were to pick which software I am most confident with then it must be Adobe Illustrator. I have used this software for various designs throughout the years, including posters, pamphlets, vinyl plotting, laser cutting, and so on. If I am to edit images I do however prefer to use Adobe Photoshop and for videos, I prefer Final Cut Pro.
Micro:bits
Whenever a prototype contains electronic components, Micro:bit combined with Microsoft Makecode has proven to be the fastest and simplest tool to accommodate the electronics. The electronic components could include lights (LEDs), moving parts (servos), light sensors, movement sensors, etc. I believe that you can often practice the Wizard of Oz method; however, sometimes one must consider putting in more work to give a more authentic experience of the product through the prototype.
Methods
User journey mapping
I have used user journey maps as an initiating method to begin prototyping. It can simply be done as a method to uncover the user’s “pains” of using a product. Thereby, creating reasoning and a foundation for the prototype to ease the “pain”. User journey maps have shown to be a great part of the prototyping process, as they help identify pain points and areas for improvement, and can be used to guide the design of more effective prototypes.
Tinkering
Tinkering can be used as a great iterative method to engage with the materials at hand for a physical prototype and even when designing a digital prototype. When designing a physical prototype, I like to take out different materials, scissors, hot glue, and tape and simply start getting creative. This can potentially result in a different and innovative choice of materials and design.
When designing digital prototypes, I have used digital programs such as Miro.com, Google Jamboards, and padlet.com. I have found that by inserting different sticky notes, images, and objects into one of these programs, you can actually practice tinkering in a digital space as well. Moreover, this approach can also be done remotely by a team, thereby enabling collaborative tinkering from team members located far from each other.
Mockups
In my opinion, creating mockups is an essential step that should always be taken before finalizing a prototype. This approach is not only cost-efficient due to the low production costs of mockups, but it also serves several purposes of the intended prototype.
By evaluating the design, functionality, and aesthetics of the mockup, I can make any necessary changes before proceeding to create the final prototype. Once I am satisfied with the mockup, I can confidently proceed to the next stage of prototyping.
Flowcharts
My go-to method for illustrating the mechanics and functions involved in user-product interactions is flowcharts. They are simple and visually effective in conveying complex information. Additionally, flowcharts are useful when mapping out the mechanics of prototypes or coding electronic components.
Furthermore, I have found that physical flowchart magnets can be a valuable tool in project planning and organization. By having a tactile representation of the project's processes, it allows for a more hands-on experience and a better understanding of the project's components. It also helps when presenting the project to colleagues, as they can easily visualize the project's workflow.
Sketching
While I appreciate the value of great sketches and their various purposes and benefits, including orthographic and perspective drawings, I must confess that drawing is not one of my strongest skills. Nevertheless, I recognize the importance of this skill and I am keen on learning and practicing it. I have noticed how valuable it can be, especially when working collaboratively with a team and presenting my design ideas or approaches. Though my sketches are functional in conveying my ideas, I aspire to improve my aesthetic skills to create more visually appealing drawings.
Storyboarding
This is one of the methods I find very meaningful when making prototypes. To actually visualize the story of the user provides a unique insight into the UX before having an actual prototype. In product design, empathy is crucial when storyboarding as it's not just about illustrating the user's movements and interactions with the prototype. By considering the user's emotions and feelings during the early stages of prototyping, I believe it can provide valuable insights to enhance the design process and create a product that truly resonates with the user's needs and desires. I have also found other methods beneficial in association with storyboarding such as; The Blind Processor and Wizard of Oz.