Prototype &

Design
By: Jacob Conant
Introduction

Prototype and design jobs encompass a wide

range, but at their core, they involve creating
tangible models or visual representations. This
can involve physical crafting, digital creation, or
a mix of both. Prototype designers often focus
on functionality and usability, building 3D
models, mockups, or interactive prototypes to
test and refine concepts before production.
Design jobs, on the other hand, can be more
focused on aesthetics and user experience,
encompassing graphic design, product design,
UI/UX design, CAD, and more. Both fields
require creativity, problem-solving skills, and an
understanding of the user journey. While some
roles are highly technical, others lean more
towards artistic expression.
Process

• Define the problem and goals

• Research and gather information
• Brainstorm and sketch ideas
• Choose the best concept and
refine it
• Develop a prototype
• Test and iterate
• Refine and finalize
• Present and share
Define the problem and
goals

• Problem: Clearly state the issue or challenge

you're addressing. What frustration or need are
you trying to fulfill? What problem are you trying
to solve?
• Goals: Be specific about what you want your
solution to achieve. What metrics will measure
its success? Who are you solving it for? What
constitutes success? How can you achieve it?
• These questions are the basis of what is asked of
prototypers by themselves to visualize the goal
and how to reach it. Once these questions are
answered the next step begins
Research and Gather
Information

• Existing solutions: Analyze similar

products, services, or approaches. What
worked well? What could be improved?
• Target audience: Understand their needs,
behaviors, pain points, and preferences.
Conduct surveys, interviews, or
observations.
• Feasibility and constraints: Consider
technical limitations, budget, resources,
and potential challenges.
• This is the premise of beginning where
the work is being defined and is about to
manifest into tangible ideas.
Brainstorm and
Sketch Ideas

• Think outside the box: Explore

diverse solutions without judgment.
Consider different technologies,
materials, and user interactions.
• Quantity over quality: Generate
many ideas, even if they seem
unconventional. Encourage wild
creativity and combine concepts.
• Visualize your ideas: Use sketches,
diagrams, storyboards, or mind
maps to capture your brainstorming
session.
Choose the Best
Concept and Refine

• Evaluate: Assess each idea based on

feasibility, usability, potential
impact, and alignment with your
goals.
• Refine: Choose the most promising
concept and build upon it. Address
potential issues, clarify details, and
make it more concrete.
• Iterations: Go back and forth
between choosing and refining. Get
feedback from colleagues or
mentors to guide your selection.
Developing a
Prototype

• Low-fidelity: Start with a basic, quick-to-

create prototype. Focus on core
functionalities and user interactions.
• Method: Choose the right prototyping
approach based on your project:
• Physical: Simple models, paper
prototypes, mockups with limited
functionality.
• Digital: Wireframes, low-fidelity
software mockups, interactive
online prototypes.
• Communication: Ensure your prototype
effectively conveys your idea and key
features.
Test and Iterate
• User testing: Observe actual users
interacting with your prototype. Ask
questions, gather feedback, and identify
pain points.
• Analyze feedback: Look for patterns and
themes. Understand what worked well
and what needs improvement.
• Iteration: Make changes to your
prototype based on user feedback. This
could involve revising functionalities,
redesigning interfaces, or adjusting the
overall concept.
Refine and Finalize

• Incorporate feedback: Address

remaining issues and incorporate
valuable suggestions from testing.
• Clarity and function: Ensure your
prototype is clear, easy to
understand, and demonstrates
the intended functionality.
• Final touches: Polish the
presentation, refine visuals, and
ensure a professional look and
feel.
Present and Share
• Target audience: Tailor your presentation
to the specific audience (users, investors,
collaborators).
• Focus on goals: Highlight how your
solution addresses the problem and
achieves its intended goals.
• Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative
that showcases your prototype's value and
potential impact.
• Openness to feedback: Be receptive to
further input and use it to refine your
concept further.
 Through these 8 steps prototypers complete
their projects and tasks. This is exactly what I

Conclusion am doing at Axiom however, I cannot talk

about details all I can say is that I design and
build the ideas we come up with to specify
each task needed for the space program.