Short answer
Intentionally use physical prototypes to either explore a wide range of design possibilities or to systematically reduce options and make critical decisions.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- TigerPrints (Clemson University) (2012)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research, combining case studies and protocol studies.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Prototypes in conceptual design serve dual roles: facilitating broad exploration (divergent) and aiding decision-making (convergent). This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in TigerPrints (Clemson University). Using Mixed-methods research, combining case studies and protocol studies., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Intentionally use physical prototypes to either explore a wide range of design possibilities or to systematically reduce options and make critical decisions.
Prototypes as Divergent and Convergent Tools in Conceptual Design
Prototypes in conceptual design serve dual roles: facilitating broad exploration (divergent) and aiding decision-making (convergent).
TigerPrints (Clemson University) · 2012
Key Findings
- 01Prototypes fulfill commonly described roles such as learning, integration, communication, and demonstration.
- 02Prototypes can be classified by their function in divergent (exploration) or convergent (decision-making) design activities.
Application
Design takeaway
Intentionally use physical prototypes to either explore a wide range of design possibilities or to systematically reduce options and make critical decisions.
How to apply
When starting a new design project, consider whether your initial prototyping efforts should focus on generating many ideas (divergent) or testing and refining a few promising concepts (convergent).
Project actions
- 01When documenting your prototyping, consider if each prototype was used to explore new ideas or to make a decision.
- 02Reflect on how your choice of prototyping method influenced whether you explored broadly or narrowed down your options.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Investigates the under-researched 'process' of prototyping, not just the prototypes themselves.
- +Combines multiple research methods for a richer understanding.
Limitations
The specific industrial settings and designers studied might not represent all design contexts.
Reliability & validity
The use of multiple case studies and a protocol study enhances the validity of the findings. Reliability would depend on the consistency of observations and analysis across different researchers.
Think critically
How might the perceived 'risk' of using a prototype early in the design process influence whether a designer opts for a divergent or convergent approach?
Design Principles
"Employ prototyping as a dynamic tool, shifting between divergent exploration and convergent refinement to navigate the design process effectively."
Understanding these distinct functions allows design teams to strategically employ prototyping to either expand the design space or refine solutions, leading to more efficient and effective conceptualization.
What This Means for Your Design
Prototypes aren't just for showing off ideas; they help you explore lots of options or help you pick the best one.
How to use in your project
- 1.Discuss how your prototypes served either a divergent or convergent function in your design process.
- 2.Analyze how your prototyping activities influenced your decision-making or idea generation.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
In this design project, prototypes were utilized not only for their traditional roles in learning and communication but also as distinct tools for divergent and convergent thinking. Early-stage prototypes facilitated broad exploration of the design space, generating multiple concepts, while later prototypes were employed to systematically evaluate and refine specific design choices, thereby guiding the convergent phase of development.
Source
TigerPrints (Clemson University)
Investigation of Prototype Roles in Conceptual Design using Case Study and Protocol Study Methods
journal · 2012
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about prototypes as divergent and convergent tools in conceptual design?
- Intentionally use physical prototypes to either explore a wide range of design possibilities or to systematically reduce options and make critical decisions. Evidence: TigerPrints (Clemson University) (2012).
- Why does "Prototypes as Divergent and Convergent Tools in Conceptual Design" matter for design?
- Understanding these distinct functions allows design teams to strategically employ prototyping to either expand the design space or refine solutions, leading to more efficient and effective conceptualization.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Intentionally use physical prototypes to either explore a wide range of design possibilities or to systematically reduce options and make critical decisions.
- What were the main findings?
- Prototypes fulfill commonly described roles such as learning, integration, communication, and demonstration.. Prototypes can be classified by their function in divergent (exploration) or convergent (decision-making) design activities.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research, combining case studies and protocol studies..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2012 journal from TigerPrints (Clemson University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When starting a new design project, consider whether your initial prototyping efforts should focus on generating many ideas (divergent) or testing and refining a few promising concepts (convergent).
- What are the limitations?
- The research is an initial attempt to explore the prototyping process and may not cover all possible prototype roles or contexts.