Efficient use of Traditional-, Rapid- and Virtual Prototyping in the industrial product development process

Driven on a wave of "innovation" many SME's set up their own product design and development unit. Triggered by the "hype" of RP many also invest in a prototyping lab. Most companies now have access to Traditional Prototyping (their workshop), Rapid Prototyping (In-house or out-sourced) and Virtual Prototyping (CAE simulation and visualization). Many of these (new) users have, despite available expertise, little knowledge and no methodology for using Prototyping in the product development process. This results in an "ad-hoc" use. In order to better understand the use of prototyping in the design process, several cases where set up in an association with companies and students industrial product design at the HOWEST University College of West-Flanders. These cases serve as direct input for a research project that investigates the optimal use of different types of prototyping during design. In this research a design methodology and roadmap has been developed that supports users in selecting the right prototyping technique for every stage of the product development process. This roadmap plugs in to a traditional four stage design methodology. For every stage, prototyping techniques can be selected based on 6 validation criteria: Product Personality, Use, Function, Materials, Shape and Manufacturing Processes. The roadmap educates and helps users. It raises awareness, return of investment and shortens time to market. It balances out Traditional, Rapid and Virtual Prototyping techniques, resulting in an efficient use of prototyping during the design process.