Prototyping in mechatronic product development: how prototype fidelity levels affect user design input

This paper provides a study of prototyping; with the aim of understanding how the fidelity of prototypes affects inputs by users. During development of a mechatronic padlock, 4 physical prototypes at varying fidelity were fabricated. 66 interviews with users were conducted. Users were presented with 1 of the 4 prototypes.

The study finds; fidelity of prototypes affects users’ feedback. Though not linearly and without unambiguity. This underlining the complexity of prototyping. A better understanding of how prototypes are perceived can help designers in establishing prototyping strategies.