rapid prototyping
Fast design iteration
Rapid prototyping is the quick creation of working models to test ideas before full development.
In manufacturing, it refers to techniques like 3D printing that produce physical objects directly from digital designs.
In software and design, it means building functional mockups to gather feedback early: We did rapid prototyping to see if users understood the interface.
The emphasis is on speed and iteration over polish.
Preliminary design representation
- wireframeEdge-only geometric model
- CADTechnical drawing technology
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- proof of conceptDemonstration of feasibility
user experience · usability · ergonomics · modeling · simulation · feasibility · industrial design · product design
Very thin thread
- resinViscous plant secretion
- extrusionPushing through a die
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
- infillMaterial closing gaps
ABS · nylon · G-code · rafts · brims · layering · stereolithography
Self-modifying cyclical process
- cyclesRecurring sequences of events
- refinementElegance of manner
- testingExamining to evaluate
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
revisions · versioning · optimization · tweaking · adjustment · improvement · rework · modification
Focused beam severs materials
- injection moldingManufacturing via pressurized cavities
- clay modelingShaping soft earth artistically
- breadboardingTemporary circuit construction method
- ArduinoOpen-source prototyping platform
Accelerate a process
- agileLimber and quick-moving
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
- expediteSpeed up a process
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
accelerated · streamline · time-saving · lean · just-in-time · overnight · same-day · velocity
mockup
Preliminary design representation
proof of concept · user experience · usability · ergonomics · modeling · simulation · feasibility · industrial design · product design · functionality
filament
Very thin thread
infill · ABS · nylon · G-code · rafts · brims · layering · stereolithography
feedback loop
Self-modifying cyclical process
- cyclesRecurring sequences of events
- refinementElegance of manner
- testingExamining to evaluate
experimentation · revisions · versioning · optimization · tweaking · adjustment · improvement · rework · modification · fail fast
laser cutting
Focused beam severs materials
- injection moldingManufacturing via pressurized cavities
- clay modelingShaping soft earth artistically
- breadboardingTemporary circuit construction method
fast-track
Accelerate a process
turnaround · accelerated · streamline · time-saving · lean · just-in-time · overnight · same-day · velocity · efficiency
- design processbrainstorming, concept, wireframe, sketches, wireframes
- experimentationexperimentation, experimenting, trial run, test run, attempts
- makerspaces3D printer, 3D printers, laser cutter, laser cutters, CNC machine
- product designCAD, design process, design iteration, specifications, blueprints
- Product Developmentdevelopment, roadmap, design, backlog, launch
- Production Methodsmass production, handmade, artisanal, batch production, assembly line
rapid prototypingmass production
Large-scale standardized fabrication
final product · production run · finished goods · commercial production
rapid, prototype, rapidly, rapids, prototypes, prototypical, prototyping, rapidness, prototyped