3.3 Physical modelling Notes

Physical Modelling

Designers love a good Physical Model

1. Physical models are real, touchable versions of a design that help designers understand how an object will be used in real life.
2. They are especially useful for testing ergonomics, internal structure, and aesthetics before making the final product.
3. They let Designers do the following:
   1. Visualize information about the context.
   2. Scale down large objects or scale up smaller ones for easier visualization.
   3. Test aspects of a product against user requirements.
   4. Gather feedback to improve the design and product-user interface.

Why Designers Use Physical Models

1. Ergonomics & Fit
   1. Helps check if the design is comfortable to hold or use.
   2. Ensures the product fits well with the human body (e.g., chairs, smartphones, tools).
   3. Example: A game controller prototype is tested to see if buttons are easy to press and the shape fits well in hand.
2. Internal & External Relationships
   1. Shows how inside components affect the outside design.
   2. Helps place buttons, ports, and grips in the right spots.
   3. Example: A phone model helps designers decide where to put the charging port, speakers, and camera without making the phone uncomfortable to hold.
3. Aesthetic Considerations
   1. Helps designers explore form, shape, color, and texture.
   2. Ensures the product looks appealing before final production.
   3. Example: A car model lets designers test how different colors or curves affect its appearance.

Scale Models - Simple Explanation

1. A scale model is a smaller or larger version of a real object.
2. It's used to study, test, or communicate a design without creating a full-size version.

Why Designers Use Scale Models

1. Used in Architecture
   1. Helps architects show clients what a building will look like before construction.
   2. Demonstrates form, proportion, and functionality in a tangible way.
   3. Example: A miniature version of a skyscraper allows architects to study its shape and how it fits into the surrounding environment.
2. Used in Testing
   1. Some designs are too big or expensive to test at full scale.
   2. Smaller models are tested under real conditions before finalizing the design.
   3. Example: Wind tunnel testing of aircraft uses scale models to check aerodynamics before building a full-sized plane.
3. Used to Communicate Ideas
   1. Shows how a design will look and function before production.
   2. Useful for getting feedback from clients and team members.
   3. Example: Car manufacturers create scale models of new car designs to refine aesthetics and shape.

Aesthetic Models & Mock-ups - Simple Explanation

1. An aesthetic model is a non-functional model.
   1. It's made to look and feel like the real product.
   2. It is used to test visual appeal and ergonomics but does not actually work.
2. A mock-up, on the other hand, is a physical representation of a product.
   1. It has some functionality
   2. It's often used for user feedback and testing.

Why Designers Use Aesthetic Models

1. Testing User Appeal
   1. Helps designers see if the product looks good and appeals to users.
   2. Used in ergonomic testing (e.g., how a product feels in hand).
   3. Example: A new smartphone model is created to check size, shape, and color before production.
2. Evaluating Material Properties
   1. Weight & Balance
      1. Materials similar to the final product are used to test weight distribution.
      2. Example: A hand drill model can be tested to see if it is too heavy or well-balanced.
3. Texture & Surface Qualities
   1. Finishes, paint, or textures are applied to test how the surface feels and looks.
   2. Example: A watch prototype can be tested to see how light reflects off the metal case.

Mock-ups: A More Functional Test Model

1. A mock-up is a scale or full-size model that is used to test ideas and gain user feedback.
2. Unlike an aesthetic model, it may have some functionality and can act as a prototype.
3. Why Use Mock-ups?
   1. Helps demonstrate how a product works.
   2. Allows users to interact with the design before final production.
   3. Example: A mock-up of a new coffee machine might have buttons and a display, but not actually brew coffee.

Prototypes

Why Designers Use Prototypes

1. Testing & Refining Designs
   1. Helps identify problems early.
   2. Designers can adjust and improve before full production.
   3. Example: A new smartphone prototype helps check if buttons are placed correctly and if the screen size is comfortable.
2. Understanding Manufacturing Challenges
   1. Prototypes reveal issues that might arise during mass production.
   2. Helps designers find the best materials and processes.
   3. Example: A shoe company tests different materials in a prototype to find the best balance between comfort and durability.
3. User Testing & Feedback
   1. Prototypes are given to real users to test usability.
   2. Designers observe interactions and make improvements.
   3. Example: A new smartwatch prototype is tested to see if users find the interface easy to navigate.

Fidelity of Prototypes

The fidelity of a prototype is how closely it matches the final product. Different levels of fidelity are used for different purposes.

1. Low-Fidelity Prototypes (Basic Concepts)
   1. Simple, rough sketches or paper models.
   2. Communicates basic ideas about shape, form, or function.
   3. Not durable or interactive.
   4. Example: A paper prototype of an app interface helps test layout and navigation ideas.
2. Mid-Fidelity Prototypes (Partial Functionality)
   1. More detailed than low-fidelity but not fully functional.
   2. Some elements work, but not all features are included.
   3. Example: A foam model of a Dyson vacuum might have the correct shape but no working motor.
3. High-Fidelity Prototypes (Almost Like the Final Product)
   1. Fully functional and durable.
   2. Can be tested by real users for usability and performance.
   3. Example: A Dyson vacuum prototype that actually sucks up dirt, allowing users to test its effectiveness.

Instrumented model are prototypes that collect data when people try using it

1. An instrumented model is a prototype with built-in sensors or measuring systems that collect data during testing.
2. This data helps designers analyze performance, user interaction, and material behavior.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Physical Models

Advantages

1. Explore and test ideas.
2. Easily understandable representation.
3. Effective communication with clients and teams.
4. Tangible for user testing, especially for ergonomic data.

Disadvantages

1. Accuracy: Models may not fully represent the final design.
2. Time-consuming to create and iterate.
3. Costly to manufacture.
4. Material differences may affect data accuracy.
5. Environmental impact from waste and raw materials.
6. Requires skill to build.

Comparison of Types of Physical Models

Self Review