Short answer

Select your prototyping tools strategically based on what you need to learn at each stage of the design process.

Field: Modelling
Source: Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design ... (2018)
Method: Comparative study
Evidence: Moderate effect

Different prototyping materials and methods inherently support and limit specific design activities, influencing the types of questions designers can effectively explore. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design .... Using Comparative study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Select your prototyping tools strategically based on what you need to learn at each stage of the design process.

Study

ModellingHigh ImpactModerate effect

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

Different prototyping materials and methods inherently support and limit specific design activities, influencing the types of questions designers can effectively explore.

Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design ... · 2018

Key Findings

01Sketching primarily supports idea generation and conceptual exploration.
02CAD excels at detailed design, iteration, and precise form definition.
03Cardboard and LEGO facilitate tangible form exploration and basic functional testing.
04Each prototyping method elicits different types and levels of design activities.

Application

Design takeaway

Select your prototyping tools strategically based on what you need to learn at each stage of the design process.

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.

Project actions

01When choosing how to prototype, think about what you want to find out.
02Don't be afraid to use a mix of different prototyping methods throughout your design project.

Method & Evidence

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

MethodComparative study

ProcedureA 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.

ContextEarly-stage product development and design processes

Variables

IVType of prototyping technique (sketching, CAD, cardboard, LEGO)

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

CVGroup size, design task, time allocated for prototyping

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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

Limitations

The complexity of the design task and the participants' prior experience with different prototyping tools could influence the results.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity relies on the accurate observation and categorization of design activities. Reliability would be enhanced by using multiple coders to assess the design activities.

Think critically

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?

Design Principles

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

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.

What This Means for Your Design

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

How to use in your project

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

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

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.

Source

Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design ...

CHARACTERISING THE AFFORDANCES AND LIMITATIONS OF COMMON PROTOTYPING TECHNIQUES TO SUPPORT THE EARLY STAGES OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

journal · 2018

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about sketching, cad, cardboard, and lego reveal distinct design process affordances?: Select your prototyping tools strategically based on what you need to learn at each stage of the design process. Evidence: Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design ... (2018).
Why does "Sketching, CAD, Cardboard, and LEGO reveal distinct design process affordances" matter for design?: 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.
How can designers apply this research?: Select your prototyping tools strategically based on what you need to learn at each stage of the design process.
What were the main 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.
What research method was used?: Comparative study.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2018 journal from Proceedings of the ... International Design Conference/Design ....
What should I do differently in my next project?: 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.
What are the 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.