Rapid Prototype Blog

Archive for March, 2011

Wireframes and mockups are very useful to define websites or applications. However, in the era of web 2.0, RIAs, web apps and dynamic websites, they need to be combined with more functional prototypes to define application properly.

Along with mockups and wireframes, the new Justinmind Prototyper 3.0 allows you to create fully functional dynamic application prototypes. From highly interactive softwares to mobile apps or complex dynamic websites (i.e. Facebook, Easyjet, Blogger-like websites) you can prototype anything in minutes. Easy as PowerPoint, Justinmind 3.0 provides full drag and drop features to wireframe without any coding. Justinmind is very powerful as the prototype is, for end users, virtually identical to the final product.

Available on both Windows and Mac, Justinmind offers all the tools you need to do a prototype from A to Z. From sketching to mobile widget libraries (Iphone, android, Blackberry…), a wide range of templates, masters and widgets are available. Moreover you can drag and drop anything from images, components, to links or even functions directly from your computer and other image editing applications.

But more than a wireframing tool, Justinmind also gives you the possibility to add and attach requirements and comments directly to elements. You can also generate and customise specification documents, diagrams and navigation flows for validation.

Conception, design, development and testing, Justinmind Prototyper is a powerful, customisable wireframing tool that can be used all through the project. It fluidifies any IT project, improving communication between programmers and non-IT literate people, cutting cost, avoiding rework load and speeding up design and developement processes.

3D prototyping techniques are a group of procedures that can quickly produce a tangible model of a product by using 3D CAD software. Another name for 3D prototyping is rapid prototyping.

This process will create a solid physical structure of the product instead of a 2D layout. The prototypes can be used in different ways. For example, a visible image of the product can be use for communication and marketing purposes. As well as, a visual representation of the product can be used for testing and diagnostic purposes, tooling and rapid manufacturing.

Rapid prototyping is made up of a few basic steps. The first step is creating a design model of the product by using computer aided design data. The next step involves converting the computer aided model design into a stereolithography form. The stereolithography form is chopped to develop a cross sectional model. This will create a constructed band and the band will be placed topmost of another band. The final step is a clean and finished model.

Rapid prototyping has six 3D Printing techniques that involve a variety prototyping apparatuses. In addition, the prototype apparatuses are stereolithography, selective laser techniques, laminated object manufacturing, fused deposition models, three dinensional inkjet printing and solid ground curing.

Stereolithography is one of the first prototyping techniques. This technique uses liquid polymer which is photosensitive and solidifies with the use of an ultraviolet light. On the other hand, stereolithography is considered to be the standard of rapid prototyping techniques. In 1988, the stereolithography machine was built by 3D printers. One of the disadvantages of early stereolithography was that the model created from this method would produce a deformed and brittle model.

The laminated object manufacturing technique was created with the Helisys machine. The process involves taking adhesive sheets and layering the sheets to create a prototype. In addition, the laminated paper is put together with a sticky substance and put on a spool. Laminated paper was one of the first substances used with this technique.

Selective laser techniques are a method that was developed by Carl Deckard. Deckard created the method as a thesis project to complete his Master’s Degree. This method uses powdered metal, nylon and elastomer to make a solid object.

Fused modeling is a technique that makes use of ejected thermoplastic filaments. The thermoplastic filaments are heated from the end. The tip moves on an x and y field range.

The ground curing technique was developed by Cubital. Ground curing is similar to the stereolithography method. The technique involves using ultraviolets light that heats and harden the polymer. Solid ground curing and stereolithography is different because of the way the material hardens. The ground curing technique makes a complete layer of the product at a time.

The techniques make it possible to create a quick prototype to meet important deadlines. Furthermore, 3D prototyping techniques are a fast way for businesses to create models to promote their brand.

Read more: Rapid Prototyping

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