The document outlines various non-digital prototyping methods and materials, emphasizing quick iterations, user feedback, and simplicity in initial designs. It discusses the advantages and characteristics of materials like modeling clay, epoxy putty, sugru, cardboard, foam board, and extruded polystyrene for prototyping needs. It highlights their properties, uses, and suitability for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing designs.

1. • Sketch, Iterate and Explore
• Nondigital Methods
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Prototyping The
Physical Design

2. Sketch, Iterate and Explore
1.Focus on Speed: Prioritize quick iterations over
perfecting the prototype early on.
2.Use Simple Tools: Start with pen, paper, or basic
sketches for fast idea generation.
3.Experiment with Dimensions: Test different sizes and
forms to refine the design.
4.Get User Feedback: Involve users to see how they
interact with the design.
5.Learn and Iterate: Use feedback and testing to
improve the design with each iteration.
Example: Good Night Lamp evolved from a traditional
shape to a house design through quick iterations.

3. Nondigital Methods
Modelling
clay
Epoxy
putty
Sugru
Toy
construction
sets
Cardboard Foamboard
Extruded
polystyrene

4. Modelling Clay
• Popular Brands: Play-Doh and Plasticine are
well-known, but many other types are available
with varying properties.
• Drying and Cracking: Materials like Play-Doh
can dry out and crack if exposed to air for too long.
• Best Use: Modeling clay is ideal for short-term
explorations of form, not for long-term or
functional prototypes.
Source: wikimedia

5. Epoxy Putty
• Milliput is a type of epoxy putty that is adhesive, tough,
durable, and self-hardening, making it ideal for more
permanent prototypes.
• Unlike regular modeling clay, it usually comes in fewer
colors and consists of two parts, one being a hardener.
• To use it, you mix equal amounts of both parts, which
activates the epoxy. Once shaped, it hardens within an
hour.
• After it sets, you can sand or paint it for a smooth,
finished look, making it great for creating long-lasting
and detailed items.
Source: wikimedia

6. Sugru
• Sugru is a mouldable silicone rubber that can be
easily shaped and worked with for about 30 minutes
before it begins to set.
• Once it cures, which takes about a day, it remains
flexible, unlike epoxy putty that hardens completely.
• Sugru adheres well to most materials, making it
versatile for various applications, and provides a
soft-touch, grippy surface that enhances usability.
• Its unique properties make it a valuable addition to
the toolkit of designers and DIY enthusiasts alike,
suitable for a wide range of creative projects and
repairs.
Source: wikimedia

7. Toy construction sets
LEGO is a popular line of plastic construction toys that
allows users to build a wide variety of structures, vehicles,
and figures by connecting interlocking bricks.
• Movement Components: Available gears, hinges, and
other parts allow you to add movement to your models.
• Computer Control: Systems are available to control
LEGO sets from a computer, enhancing interactivity.
• Integration with Arduino: Many hackers use Arduino
boards alongside LEGO to provide sensing and control
capabilities while utilizing LEGO for the physical
structure.
• Flexible Prototyping: The combination of LEGO and
Arduino makes it easy to create functional prototypes for
Source: wikimedia

8. Cardboard
Key Features of Cardboard in Prototyping
• Cost-Effective: Cardboard is inexpensive and widely available,
making it a budget-friendly material for prototyping.
• Easy to Work With: It can be easily shaped and cut using a craft
knife or scissors, allowing for quick modifications.
• Variety: Cardboard comes in various colors and thicknesses,
providing options to suit different design needs.
• Structural Integrity: While not as strong as other materials,
cardboard offers reasonable structural integrity for initial designs.
• Initial Sketching Tool: It's ideal for sketching out shapes and
concepts that can later be refined and cut from more durable
materials like thin plywood or acrylic using a laser cutter.
Source: wikimedia

9. Foamboard or Foamcore
Key Features of Foam Board in Prototyping
• Composition: Foam board consists of a layer of foam
sandwiched between two sheets of card, providing a
lightweight and sturdy structure.
• Availability: It is commonly available at art supply stores in
various sizes and thicknesses, typically 3mm or 5mm.
• Ease of Cutting: Foam board can be easily cut using a craft
knife, making it user-friendly for quick modifications and
precise designs.
• Lightweight: Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for
creating models that are easy to handle and transport.
• Versatile Applications: Foam board is ideal for prototyping,
display models, signage, and other creative projects due to its
balance of durability and ease of use.
Source: wikimedia

10. Extruded polystyrene
Key Features of Extruded Polystyrene Boards in Prototyping
• Insulation Material: Extruded polystyrene boards are
primarily used for insulation but are also suitable for
modeling purposes.
• Density: Unlike expanded polystyrene used for packaging,
extruded polystyrene is denser, making it better for creating
solid models.
• Commonly Known as “Blue Foam”: While it’s often referred
to by its color, the density of the foam is the key
characteristic.
Source: wikimedia

11. Extruded polystyrene
• Lightweight and Durable: The material is both light and durable, making it
practical for various applications.
• Easy to Work With: It can be cut with a craft knife, sawed, sanded, or shaped
easily with a hot-wire cutter for precise designs.
• Thickness Range: Sheets are typically thicker than foam board, ranging from
25mm to 165mm, making them ideal for constructing solid three-dimensional
shapes.
• Layering Capability: If thicker pieces are needed, multiple layers can be easily
glued together to achieve the desired thickness.
• Safety Precautions: When sanding or cutting with a hot-wire cutter, it's important
to wear a dust mask and ensure proper ventilation due to potentially harmful dust
and fumes.

12. Thank You!
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