ASME International Design and Engineering Technical Conference (2017): What is a Prototype? Emergent Roles of Prototyping from Emperical Work in Three Diverse Companies
Abstract: 聽This paper explores the nature of prototypes from three diverse companies in the fields of consumer electronics, footwear, and medical devices. It is part of a larger qualitative research study developing a prototyping framework grounded in the emergent findings from practice and detailed inductive inquiry. In this paper, we describe the methods for setting up an appropriate research design, highlighting the conceptual framework, means for data collection and analysis, and validity. Then, we describe the emergent findings, introducing a (1) modified definition of a prototype, (2) key beliefs about prototypes, and (3) three emergent roles of prototypes.
This research is a contribution to the field of design theory and methodology by adding new knowledge about prototypes from companies. Prototyping is a critical part of product development, and yet it is one of the least formally explored areas of design. Most of the recent research around prototyping has focused on student design teams at universities and testing certain hypotheses or developing strategies for students. The significance of this work lies in its ability to gain insights into the role of prototyping in the natural work environment, which has not been holistically documented. The unit of data in this research is one full product development cycle for each of the three companies. By using diverse industries, we will build and test our framework across them all to ensure validity.
This work is intended to increase conversations and debates about prototypes in different industries and spaces, by challenging preconceived notions about what is a 鈥減rototype.鈥 We aim to shift mindsets about prototypes through our framework, and ultimately develop a more efficient approach to creating purposeful prototypes.
Lauff, C.A., Kotys-Schwartz, D., Rentschler, M.E., 鈥淲hat is a Prototype? Emergent Roles of Prototyping from Emperical Work in Three Diverse Companies,鈥 ASME International Design and Engineering Technical Conference, Cleveland, OH, August, 2017.