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Making Prototypes


What is a prototype?

A prototype is an artifact – a human-made object – that explores ideas during the process of creating something.

From the Oxford English Dictionary

(noun) 1. a first or preliminary form from which other forms are developed or copied, 2. a typical example of something; (verb) make a prototype of

Prototypes can exist in many forms: as sketches, as cardboard mockups, as functioning versions of a device, as a near-final version used for performance testing.

Fabrication techniques

Here is a list of possible ways to make prototypes.

  • assembling found objects, containers and and
  • forming paper, cardboard with tape and glue
  • shaping wood, plastic, clay and other materials with hand tools
  • 3D printing
  • laser-cutting
  • machining
  • combining all of the above

Working with cardboard