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Keng Hsu

In this short course, you will learn the what, why, and how of prototyping. After the course, you will be familiar with how to create prototypes, why to use them, and what tools are available to create them.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction
In this short course, you will learn the what, why, and how of prototyping. After the course, you will be familiar with how to create prototypes, why to use them, and what tools are available to create them.
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Introduction to Prototyping
In this module, you will learn the key principles of prototyping, why we use prototypes, and the various types of prototypes.
Prototyping Tools and Techniques
In this module learners will be introduced to the various tools and techniques of prototyping.
Polymer 3DP Technologies
In this module learners will be introduced to various 3D printing technologies/tools for making prototypes.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by experts with a proven track record in prototyping
Provides foundational knowledge for beginners
Covers essential tools and techniques including 3D printing applications
Applies to various industries and disciplines
Suitable for individuals with varying experience levels

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Prototyping with these activities:
Review linear algebra concepts
Review linear algebra concepts to strengthen your mathematical foundation for prototyping.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Review matrix operations
  • Practice solving systems of linear equations
  • Explore vector spaces and their properties
Compile resources on prototyping tools, techniques, and best practices
Expand your knowledge by gathering and organizing valuable resources on prototyping.
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  • Search for online resources, articles, and tutorials
  • Organize the resources into a coherent compilation
Explore prototyping tools and techniques
Engage with tutorials to familiarize yourself with the practical aspects of prototyping.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on prototyping tools and techniques
  • Follow tutorials to create basic prototypes
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Practice creating different types of prototypes
Reinforce your skills by practicing the creation of various prototype formats.
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  • Experiment with different prototyping tools and techniques
  • Create prototypes for different scenarios and purposes
Build a prototype for a simple product or design
Apply your understanding by creating a tangible prototype to reinforce the principles of prototyping.
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  • Identify a simple product or design to prototype
  • Sketch and design the prototype
  • Choose appropriate materials and tools
  • Build and refine the prototype
Develop a prototype for a real-world problem or design challenge
Challenge yourself by applying prototyping to solve a practical problem, deepening your understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world problem or design challenge
  • Research and gather information
  • Develop and iterate prototype solutions
  • Test and refine the prototype

Career center

Learners who complete Prototyping will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers apply their knowledge of how products work, how people think, and how to leverage the properties of advanced materials to design innovative and functional products. Designers learn how to translate client requirements into product specifications and to create prototype models, testing physical form factors, ergonomics, materials, and other elements of design. Prototyping is an essential part of the industrial design process, as it allows designers to iterate through designs and test them with real users. Arizona State University’s Prototyping course can provide the conceptual knowledge and tools for this iterative design process.
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer’s role is to design and develop a wide range of products, from tiny biomedical devices to massive power plants. Mechanical Engineers also analyze and test these designs to ensure that they meet safety and efficiency standards. Prototyping can help Mechanical Engineers identify design flaws or potential improvements. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University can help Mechanical Engineers become familiar with state-of-the-art techniques for prototyping.
Product Development Engineer
Product Development Engineers work with designers and other engineers to develop new products or improve existing ones. In this role, Engineers rely on prototyping to create tangible representations of product designs, allowing for testing and feedback. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University can teach you the principles of prototyping and how to use the latest prototyping tools.
3D Modeler
3D Modelers create 3D representations of physical objects, environments, and characters using specialized software. These models are used in a variety of industries, including film, video games, architecture, and engineering. Prototyping allows 3D Modelers to create physical representations from their digital models, enabling them to test the models’ form and function. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University can help 3D Modelers understand the prototyping process and how to use prototyping tools.
CAD Designer
CAD Designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D and 3D models of products and systems. This technology assists them in creating precise and detailed designs, ensuring that products meet functional and aesthetic requirements. Prototyping is an important step in the CAD design process, as it allows designers to create physical models of their designs for testing and refinement. By understanding the principles of prototyping, CAD Designers can leverage this technique to enhance their design process.
Production Engineer
Production Engineers oversee the manufacturing process, ensuring that products are produced efficiently and meet quality standards. They work closely with designers and other engineers to develop and improve production processes. Prototyping can aid Production Engineers in understanding how products are assembled and how changes in design may impact production. Arizona State University’s Prototyping course provides an introduction to the principles and techniques of prototyping, which can benefit Production Engineers.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers apply engineering principles to optimize production processes and systems. They ensure that products are manufactured efficiently and at a high quality. Prototyping enables Manufacturing Engineers to create physical representations of designs, allowing them to test and refine the designs before committing to mass production. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University can provide Manufacturing Engineers with insights into prototyping techniques and tools.
Quality Assurance Engineer
The role of a Quality Assurance Engineer is to ensure that products and services meet quality standards. They develop and implement quality control processes, inspect products, and analyze data to identify and resolve quality issues. Prototyping is an important part of quality assurance, as it allows engineers to test the functionality and performance of products in real-world conditions. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University can equip Quality Assurance Engineers with a deep dive into prototyping principles and practices.
Research and Development Engineer
Research and Development Engineers lead the creation of new products, processes, and materials. Their work involves extensive experimentation and prototyping. Understanding the principles and techniques of prototyping is crucial for their success. Arizona State University’s Prototyping course provides a solid foundation in these areas.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects to achieve specific goals within constraints such as time, budget, and resources. Prototyping can be a valuable tool for Project Managers to use in planning and managing projects. Arizona State University’s Prototyping course may be helpful to Project Managers involved in projects with a design or engineering component.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Prototyping can help Graphic Designers visualize their designs and test them with users, ensuring that the final product meets the client's needs. The Prototyping course offered by Arizona State University can provide Graphic Designers with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate prototyping into their design process.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop website and web applications. They are responsible for the look, feel, and functionality of websites. Prototyping can be a valuable tool for Web Developers to use in planning and designing websites and web applications. Arizona State University’s Prototyping course may be helpful to Web Developers interested in learning how to use prototyping to improve their workflow.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers (UX Designers) are responsible for the overall user experience of a product or service, ensuring that it is user-friendly and meets the needs of the intended users. Prototyping is an essential part of the UX design process, as it allows designers to test their designs with real users and gather feedback. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University can provide UX Designers with valuable insights into prototyping techniques and best practices.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles to design, develop, and maintain software systems. Prototyping can be a valuable tool for Software Engineers to use in planning and designing software systems. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University may be helpful to Software Engineers interested in learning how to use prototyping to improve their workflow.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They use a variety of techniques to gather and analyze data, including prototyping. The Prototyping course from Arizona State University may be helpful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about this technique.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Prototyping.
A practical guide to prototyping for anyone interested in learning more about this essential design tool.
A guide to the Lean Startup methodology, which helps entrepreneurs create and test new products and services quickly and efficiently.
A practical guide to design thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation that helps teams develop new products and services that meet the needs of users.
A guide to the Lean Product Playbook methodology, which helps companies develop and launch new products quickly and efficiently.
A guide to the Innovator's Method, a process for bringing the Lean Startup methodology into large organizations.

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