Speed is crucial when building a prototype. And with fibreboard and duct tape, we also achieved a surprisingly good result.
What's the fastest way to get from an idea to a prototype that can test the idea in practice?
And that's something we ask ourselves all the time. And here, it's always crucial to consider whether it's primarily about testing the form of the solution, whether it needs to be good at showcasing the functions – or whether both aspects need to be included?
We again found ourselves in a dilemma recently, as we were working on another project for Copenhagen Municipality.
The first thought was: Let's get the solution 3D printed. But even though it's a relatively effective way to prototype, in this case it had to be even faster.
A well-functioning mock-up in cardboard and gaffer tape
Instead of waiting for a 3D print, we decided to make a mock-up out of wood fibreboard. This was intended to give a better spatial understanding of the product, while also incorporating some controls and core functionality with a simple movement that we wanted to demonstrate.
Once the pieces of the roof had been cut to size, we started to put it all together with gaffa tape. Just so it could hang together. But one piece of tape led to another, and suddenly it was all covered in tape. And it worked much better than we could have hoped.
Not only did it give us a very simple opportunity to test form and function quickly, the tab actually also provided a uniform surface that is reminiscent of the plastic the final product will be molded from.
So, I don't suppose ”shall we paint our prototype with gaffa tape?” will soon be a regular phrase around here?
