Abstract
Prototypes are commonly used in design and development activities to help understand aspects of an emerging design before it is complete. The use of prototypes before development begins, however, is essentially non-existent. Why is this so? Are prototypes simply a method for those who design and develop tangible artefacts? In spite of their wide spread use and reports of beneficial impact, there is surprisingly little theory or principles of prototyping. This lack of prototyping theory and principles may be one reason prototypes are not considered for use in a wider variety of situations such as strategy development or product planning. This research project looks at how prototypes work in development activities and the nature of strategy formation to identify potential applications of prototyping activity in the formation of strategy.
Citation
Conley, C. (2004) The Use of Prototypes in Pre-Development Activities., in Redmond, J., Durling, D. and de Bono, A (eds.), Futureground - DRS International Conference 2004, 17-21 November, Melbourne, Australia. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2004/researchpapers/92
The Use of Prototypes in Pre-Development Activities.
Prototypes are commonly used in design and development activities to help understand aspects of an emerging design before it is complete. The use of prototypes before development begins, however, is essentially non-existent. Why is this so? Are prototypes simply a method for those who design and develop tangible artefacts? In spite of their wide spread use and reports of beneficial impact, there is surprisingly little theory or principles of prototyping. This lack of prototyping theory and principles may be one reason prototypes are not considered for use in a wider variety of situations such as strategy development or product planning. This research project looks at how prototypes work in development activities and the nature of strategy formation to identify potential applications of prototyping activity in the formation of strategy.