In this Make:able toolkit, we’ll be guiding you in bringing your key idea to life in the form of an initial 3D printed prototype. Watch the overview video below before browsing through the design + make methods and tips. Then use your key learnings to plan and implement a strategy to create a 3D printed prototype. A key point to remember is that this is an initial design, which should evolve over time. Therefore don’t be too precious with the small details.
Sketching in a free flowing manner is a great way to transform ideas into designs. Check out the video below from the Product Designer Maker YouTube channel, where Chris shows us how to build ideas on paper, rather than to simply record ideas which have already formed in our heads. Don't forget to check out the other amazing videos on his YouTube channel!
Rough modelling involves the creation of quick, low-cost prototypes that are made up of readily available materials. They are an efficient and effective way of making tangible objects for visual or functional testing. Whether you opt to sketch, make rough models, or both - ensure you explore multiple design options.
3D CAD should be used after exploratory methods such as sketching or rough modelling. However, 3D CAD is much more than a bridge between idea and prototype. Visualising 3D models and exploring tools such as assemblies, simulations, renderings etc can really help to improve your designs. Therefore ensure you head into the 3D CAD stage with a dynamic mindset, where you're open to adapting and changing features as you go.
When 3D printing your initial prototype, think about what materials and slicer settings will work best for your model. For example, you might want to explore a certain infill setting because your solution needs to meet weight and strength requirements. Or you might want to use flexible filament in some areas. Don't worry about getting it right first time though - that's what the testing and iterating phase is for!
Adam Hecht from DiveDesign provides us with his top tip for prototyping - to fail fast and often using readily available materials. Check out the video below and head over to the DiveDesign website (https://www.divedesignco.com/) to learn more about their exciting work.
Give your 3D CAD models a good check over to ensure they are 3D printable. This can save you huge amounts of time! Refer back to the 'Designing for 3D Printing' video series in the Skill Building Toolkit to help you do this.
Don't be afraid or embarrassed to bring out rough and ready models to test with your end user. The best solutions are those that include the end user in multiple stages of the design process so if possible, get them involved as much as you can to critique your work.
Andy Lin, Founder and Director of The Emerging Tech Lab at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, talks to us about getting keeping it simple and building in complexity only if necessary.
Is your design made up of multiple aspects or components? Check out this prototyping tip from Vincent at DiveDesign, who talks us through rapid sketch models for specific areas of a design.
There are thousands of ways to approach design and we highly recommend you work to your strengths. For example, if you excel in product sketching, put more emphasis on drawing. If you excel at 3D CAD, you might spend more time with digital shape explorations. When working in teams, figure out a way to make the most out of everyone's skills!
Before moving on to the next toolkit, you should have achieved the below objectives.
Go to Next Toolkit – Test + Iterate