5. Develop a prototype

The success of a design will not be clear until a prototype device is developed and tested. Using the materials and components introduced in KSB #3, a prototype can be a simple model to test the essential concept of the idea. In some cases, prototyping can be accomplished by using a computer-simulation of a prototype's performance. For the safety light system, you may use the Electronic Workbench Software package (Multisim) -- Game 2 as a prototyping tool.
Prototyping enables testing of generated ideas without fully manufacturing the final project. It helps the design team to understand the difficulties (costs, technical and user friendliness) and to improve the performance.

1. State the problem and clarify the specifications and constraints
2. Research and investigate the problem
3. Generate alternative designs
4. Choose and justify optimal design
5. Develop a prototype
6. Test and evaluate the design solution
7. Redesign the solution with modifications
8. Communicate your achievements
9. Reenter the design cycle at any step to revise

Informed Design Loop



Go to Topic 2. The Brain Storming

Introduction Objective Description Develop Your Understanding