After selecting the best solution, the next step is to bring your ideas into the physical (or digital) world by building a prototype. A prototype is an early version of your design that allows you to test, evaluate, and refine your solution before committing to full-scale production. This stage is where abstract concepts become tangible, and it is essential for validating whether your chosen design actually addresses the original problem you identified.
Prototyping directly connects back to the first step, Identify the Problem. When you first defined the problem, you considered who was affected, what their needs were, and what constraints shaped possible solutions. The prototype is your chance to check whether your design decisions hold up under real conditions. For example, if you identified that a community needs a low-cost water filtration device, building a prototype allows you to see if your design truly filters water effectively, remains affordable, and is usable by the intended community members.
For engineering students, prototyping is not just about building something that works—it is about building something that works for the problem you set out to solve. In this stage, you should:
Translate sketches and CAD models into working mock-ups.
Select materials and components that fit your constraints (e.g., cost, durability, availability).
Keep in mind that prototypes don’t need to be perfect; they are meant for testing and iteration.
Pay attention to whether the prototype addresses the root cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms.
In short, building a prototype is the bridge between theoretical problem-solving and practical application. It ensures that the ideas you generated and the solution you selected can be tested against the original problem you identified, closing the loop between understanding the problem and working toward an effective, real-world solution.
There are several labs on campus that you can use (usually after a quick introduction course) to make your prototypes in house. If you are unsure which resource to use, talk with your advisor to decide the best fit for your project.