physical modelling

Question 1

What is a Physical model?

Answer 1

• it is a 3-Dimensional tangible representation of a design or system
• This is often done once a design has been realised in a sketch form
• The primary aim of physical modelling it to test aspects of a product against user requirements
• Through testing at the design development stage ensures that an appropriate product is developed

Question 2

Different types of physical modelling

Answer 2

• scale models
• Aesthetic models
• Mock-ups and prototypes
• Instrumented models

Question 3

Scale models

Answer 3

-a model that is either a smaller or larger physical copy of an object

• designers use it to visualise information about the context that the model represents
• Large models are scaled down to better understand the whole environment of the model. Common for architectural model
• Small models are often scaled up be better visualise small details, example DNA
• accurate physical representations of object or features of objects
• Able to allow the design team, client or manufacturer visualise and/or manipulate the object
• Scaled down or up keeping all sizes of the features in relation to each other

Question 4

Aesthetic models

Answer 4

• a model developed to look and feel like the final product
• It does not function or operate in any way
• Aesthetic/appearance models are only concerned with form, colour, style, texture and how the product fits in its visual environment.
• They can be used for ergonomic testing, evaluating visual appeal, allow the non-designer to see and feel how the real product will be
• Usually made from clay, foam, robber, plastic or wood. For example, a simple model it could be solid pieces of foam that has been shaped and painted to look like the real thing

Question 5

Mock-ups

Answer 5

• scale or full-size representation of a product used to gain feedback from users
• Mock-ups are used to test ideas and gather feedback from users
• They can be either full-scale or scaled models of products
• Usually made from modelling materials or cheaper materials than the final product
• Used to detect design flaws at the earliest stage

Question 6

Prototypes

Answer 6

• prototypes are to test and evaluate ideas and look and feel like the real product
• A prototype can be a real working product made to real specifications that can be used throughout design development, sometimes a one-off production
• It has functionality unlike that of a mock-up (minimal) or lack of it in aesthetic models
• It is particularly useful in testing before production begins
• Prototypes help the development team discover any issues related to manufacturing the final product
• It allows the development team to learn from the user through user feedback and used trials/interaction with the final prototype

Question 7

Instrumented models

Answer 7

• instrumented physical models are equipped with the ability to take measurements to provide accurate quantitative feedback for analysis
• They can be used effectively to investigate many phenomena such as fluid flows in hydraulic systems or within tunnels, stress within structures and user interaction with a product
• Example, feedback from prosthetic devices to provide data on landing or ground reaction forces
• These models can be scaled in terms of both geometry and important forces