Lesson video

Hello there, everybody.

My name is Mr. Booth and welcome to your Design and Technology lesson for today.

It's brilliant that you could join me.

In today's lesson, we're gonna be looking at high-fidelity prototyping and you're gonna be making your own high-fidelity prototype, a prototype that resembles the final model, the final design as closely as possible.

This lesson is part of the "Inclusive Design: Mental Health and Wellbeing" unit.

Today's outcome.

I want you to be able to produce a detailed prototype that communicates your final inclusive design effectively.

We have four keywords today.

First of those is high-fidelity, a prototype that closely represents the final product.

In order for it to closely represent that final product, it's got to have functionality, and that's our next keyword, how well something performs its intended actions.

We also need to consider aesthetics, how the product looks, including color, texture, style, or a theme.

And finally, simulate.

Represents real operation without the full complexity of that real operation.

Two learning cycles today.

First, we're gonna learn about high-fidelity prototypes, and then look about how we can refine for inclusivity and usability, and of course then we're gonna make our own high-fidelity prototype.

So let's get going.

A high-fidelity prototype is the most realistic stage of design modeling.

It represents how a product will look, how it'll feel and function in real life.

These prototypes communicate the final intent.

They show how the finished product will perform and interact with users.

Here we have an example of a trainer sole that will be used and tested by users to see if it performs the functions it's intended to do.

High-fidelity prototypes are used to explore aesthetics, functionality and also user experience.

This allows designers to evaluate inclusivity and usability before final manufacture.

Quick check for understanding.

What best defines a high-fidelity prototype? Is it A, a rough sketch to explore basic concepts; B, a detailed realistic model that simulates final design features; C, a digital mood board for design inspiration; or D, a simplified functional test model without aesthetics.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course B, a detailed, realistic model that simulates final design features, well done.

High-fidelity prototypes have two key purposes, so let's have a look at those.

First, to test or simulate how the product will work in real life, exploring functionality and interaction so the users can actually interact with it.

It is also there to communicate the final design's appearance, usability, and inclusivity to clients or users.

This is especially important in inclusive design for mental health and wellbeing where emotional responses, sensory comfort, and ease of use are part of the design's success.

Check for understanding.

Why are high-fidelity prototypes particularly valuable in inclusive design for mental health and wellbeing? Is it A, they reduce the overall production cost of the final product; B, they are faster and cheaper to make than other prototypes; C, they can replace the need for user testing completely; or D, they allow realistic testing of emotional and sensory responses.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've answered.

Well, it is of course D, they allow realistic testing of emotional and sensory responses, well done.

Designers create prototypes at different levels of fidelity to refine their ideas.

We have low-fidelity prototypes made from inexpensive materials like cardboard and foam to explore form quickly and easily.

We then have medium-fidelity prototypes that are made from more resistant materials such as MDF, high-impact polystyrene, or you might even start exploring 3D printing, and this is to test things like ergonomics, so that can be explored.

And then we have the high-fidelity prototypes which uses materials and processes that simulate the final design and function as closely as possible.

If you hold the high-fidelity prototype in your hand, it's gonna feel like the real thing.

Quick check for understanding.

At which stage would a designer focus on both visual detail and functional realism? Is it A, high-fidelity; B, concept sketching; C, low-fidelity; or D, medium-fidelity? Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course high-fidelity, A, well done.

High-fidelity prototypes often include functional features to simulate real use.

Now, these may involve things like working buttons, lights, or some kind of mechanical movement.

There might be program responses using a micro:bit or circuits or other programmable devices.

There might be feedback systems like sounds, light, or vibration so the user can interact with those.

Even a partial simulation helps users understand how the product will function.

Check for understanding.

Which of the following best demonstrates functional realism in a high-fidelity prototype? Is it A, a CAD rendering of a smartphone; B, a 3D-printed controller with working buttons and LED indicators; C, a mood board showing design inspiration; or D, a foam model with smooth edges.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course B, a 3D-printed controller with working buttons and LED indicators, well done.

High-fidelity prototypes are professional communication tools.

They show exactly what the product will look like, feel like, and also do.

Intended users can interact with them, making it easier to understand the designer's intent and to assess usability and also inclusivity.

A successful high-fidelity prototype should balance aesthetics and also functionality.

Now, this high-fidelity prototype of a medical device will be used to test functionality and also usability in a real setting.

Check for understanding.

Why are high-fidelity prototypes described as communication tools? Is it A, they are mainly used to generate CAD drawings; B, they record test data and measurements; C, they show only internal mechanical systems; or D, they explain design intent clearly through realistic appearance and function.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course D, they explain design intent clearly through realistic appearance and function, well done.

Now, the theme of this unit is "Inclusive design: mental health and wellbeing." Inclusive design depends on empathy and sensory understanding.

When designing for mental health and wellbeing, users may react differently to sensory details like the texture of the product, the sound it makes, or even the color that the product is.

A high-fidelity prototype lets designers simulate these experiences to gain feedback.

For example, calming colors, soft textures, and clear controls can reduce anxiety.

Testing these details ensures the final product supports wellbeing and inclusivity.

Check for understanding.

Which combination best represents the qualities of a high-fidelity prototype? Is it A, reform plus quick build plus cheap materials; B, functionality plus aesthetics plus inclusivity; C, sketching plus brainstorming plus a computer-aided design drawing; or D, testing plus evaluation plus production.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course B, functionality, aesthetics, and inclusivity, well done.

We're now onto your first task.

First of all, I want you to explain the difference between low-fidelity and a high-fidelity prototype.

I then want you to describe two reasons why high-fidelity prototypes are important in inclusive design for mental health and wellbeing.

And then I want you to produce a sketch of a high-fidelity prototype of a solution to your identified problem that is based on inclusive design, mental health and wellbeing.

Show different views and label which materials and processes can be used to build the prototype, remembering we need it to be high-fidelity.

Pause the video now, have a go at this task, and come back to me when you've completed it.

So how did you get on? Well, let's have a look at some sample responses.

First, I wanted you to explain the difference between a low-fidelity prototype and a high-fidelity prototype.

A low-fidelity prototype is a simple model used to explore ideas quickly, often made from basic materials like card.

A high-fidelity prototype is realistic and detailed, combining functionality, form, and finish to show how the final design will look and work.

Describe two reasons why high-fidelity prototypes are important in inclusive design for mental health and wellbeing.

Well, they allow realistic testing of sensory elements like texture and color to ensure comfort and calmness.

They also simulate how different users interact with the design, identifying accessibility improvements before manufacture.

I then wanted you to produce a sketch of a high-fidelity prototype, and here we have a lovely sketch, and we started labeling it as well.

So for example, we have a ring light with a bought-in LED ring component.

It would be too complicated to make that from scratch, so we can use bought-in components.

We're gonna laser-cut the frosted acrylic light cover.

We're gonna 3D print some parts as well in as close to the materials that we're gonna use in the real model as possible.

So we've got a 3D-printed body and light casing and we also have an adjustable head, so there is functionality in that part as well.

Continuing it, we have a 3D-printed pivot secured by a bought-in interscrew component.

And then, of course, we have some other functionality as well.

A hole for the power cable and also a sectional view of the micro:bit.

The micro:bit will also have some functionality in that so we can actually use the timer that we want to use.

We're now onto our second learning cycle, "Refinement for inclusivity and usability." Refining is the process of improving a prototype to make it more accurate and usable.

It involves analyzing how the design looks, feels and functions, then adjusting details like shape, material, and finish.

Refinement brings a prototype closer to a professional standard and shows that the designer has carefully considered the needs of all users.

In this example here, you can see a prototype of a bench before and after refinement, and you can see the improvements made based on that feedback.

Quick check for understanding.

What best describes refinement in the design process? Is it A, making a model larger so it stands out visually; B, adding decoration without improving functionality; C, adjusting and improving design details to enhance usability and inclusivity; or D, rebuilding the prototype from scratch using different materials.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course C, adjusting and improving design details to enhance usability and inclusivity, well done.

Choosing the right materials and methods affects how realistic and inclusive your prototype feels.

Common materials will include things like MDF and plywood, acrylic, high-impact polystyrene, and 3-printing filaments, aluminum and copper, and also some fabrics.

Check for understanding.

Which combination would best improve the realism of a high-fidelity prototype? Would it be A, paper and masking tape shell; B, foam model with unpolished edges; C, corrugated card with marker pen decoration; or D, MDF body with primer and paint finish.

Pause video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course D, MDF body with primer and paint finish, well done.

Usability is how easy and satisfying a product is to use.

Refining usability means thinking about function, layout and interaction.

For example, clear control labeling, comfortable grips and smooth movement help make products intuitive and stress-free to use.

Testing prototypes with different users helps identify small changes that can make a big difference to inclusivity.

For example, a simple product like a remote control goes through several stages of refinement to make it usable, and you probably don't even think about that when using your remote controls at home.

Refinement also includes adding or improving functional elements that simulate how the final product works.

This can involve a micro:bit programming, LEDs, sensors, or simple mechanical linkages.

Functional details show how users interact with the design, especially important for inclusive products where feedback, clarity, and comfort matter.

For example, a wellbeing product might use gentle LED light changes to indicate breathing exercises or time intervals.

Check for understanding.

Why is it useful to include basic electronics or mechanisms in a high-fidelity prototype? Is it A, they create realistic interaction and feedback for users; B, they make it easier to draw the design digitally; C, they ensure the prototype is completely identical to the final manufactured version; or D, they make the prototype cheaper to produce.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answers.

It is of course A, they create realistic interaction and feedback for users, well done.

Inclusive refinement means adjusting your prototype so it works for as many people as possible.

This can include ergonomic, ensuring comfortable grip and reach.

Functional, ensuring good visual contrast or tactile feedback.

Usable, ensuring controls are simple and intuitive.

Designers test and observe how users interact with prototypes, refining to improve barriers that might cause stress, confusion or discomfort.

Quick check for understanding.

Which of the following best supports inclusivity in a refined prototype? Is it A, using contrasting colors and textured surfaces for accessibility; B, removing tactile features to simplify appearance; C, reducing size to make the design look sleek; or D, adding shiny services for visual appeal.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course A, using contrasting colors and textured surfaces for accessibility, well done.

In designs for mental health and wellbeing, sensory qualities are as important as physical usability.

Color, texture, sound, and movement can all affect mood and emotional responses.

Refining these details helps create calming, reassuring experiences that reduce anxiety and promote comfort.

For example, a matte pastel finish might feel less harsh than a bright gloss.

A slow smooth movement might be more soothing than a sudden sharp one.

A refined prototype demonstrates attention to detail.

Smooth finishes, accurate assembly, clean edges, and neat presentation.

These qualities show professionalism and strengthen how effectively the prototype communicates the designer's intent.

Even small improvements can transform how others perceive and interact with the design.

A neatly-finished prototype ensures user engagement.

They will enjoy using it because it looks nice.

Quick check for understanding.

Why is attention to detail important in a high-fidelity prototype? Is it A, it reduces the prototype's overall cost; B, it ensures the prototype meets manufacturing tolerances; C, it communicates care, professionalism, and consideration of user needs; D, it makes the design more photogenic for portfolios.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've got your answer.

It is of course C, it communicates care, professionalism, and consideration of user needs, well done.

So we're now onto Task B.

First of all, I want you to explain one reason why material choice is important when refining a prototype.

Next, I would like you to discuss how sensory refinement can improve the usability and emotional impact of a wellbeing product.

And finally, I want you to build a high-fidelity prototype of the solution you sketched from Task A.

Pause the video now, have a go at this, and come back to me when you've completed the task.

So how did you get on? Well, let's have a look at some sample answers.

First, I wanted you to explain one reason why material choice is important when refining a prototype.

Well, choosing suitable materials makes the prototype more realistic and usable.

For example, a critical plywood can simulate the strength and texture of the final product, improving both functionality and aesthetics.

Second, discuss how sensory refinement can improve the usability and emotional impact of a wellbeing product.

Sensory details like texture, color, and sound affect users' emotions.

A smooth matte surface and muted colors can feel calming, reducing stress for users with anxiety.

Gentle sound or light cues provide reassurance and feedback without overstimulation.

Together these refinements enhance inclusivity and user satisfaction.

And then finally, I wanted you to build a high-fidelity prototype of the solution you sketched from Task A, and here we have our solution.

You can see it's been manufactured out of the materials that as closely resemble the real materials that it will be manufactured out of as possible.

It also has some functionality.

The LED ring light works with a calming glow, and even the timer functions on the micro:bit, so it's been programmed to do exactly what we planned it to do.

And we can see that in this short video of the prototype functioning.

(buttons click) (bright alarm music) So that brings us to the end of today's lesson.

Let's have a quick summary.

High-fidelity prototypes simulate final form, functionality and aesthetics.

They communicate inclusive design through realistic usability and detail.

Refinement improves inclusivity, ergonomics, and user comfort.

Thoughtful aesthetics and functionality support wellbeing and usability.

That's it for today, you've been absolutely fantastic.

I look forward to seeing you all next time, goodbye.