Lesson video

Hello there.

My name is Mrs. Dhami.

Thank you for joining me for your design and technology lesson today.

Now, the big question for today is what is a medium fidelity prototype and how can we use these to develop our designs? So hard hats on.

Let's get cracking.

Our outcome for today is we will be able to develop a more functional prototype that integrates usability and inclusivity.

We have three key words for our lesson today.

Medium fidelity, which is a prototype that shows what a design will roughly look and work like, but isn't fully finished or interactive yet.

We then have ergonomics, which is the interaction with regard to comfort and fit between people and the products they use.

And lastly, we have usability.

Now usability is how easy and comfortable something is to use.

We have two learning cycles today.

What is medium fidelity prototyping? And then moving on to ergonomics, accessibility and usability.

So we'll get started with what is medium fidelity prototyping? Medium fidelity prototyping sits between quick sketch models and final prototypes.

At this stage, the goal is to move from exploring ideas to testing how a product functions and feels.

Designers start considering ergonomics, how comfortably the product fits the user.

Usability, how easy and intuitive it is to use.

Now if we look at this at as a diagram, we start with low fidelity prototypes, which are our sketch models.

And at the other end we have high fidelity prototypes, our final polished prototypes.

So medium fidelity prototypes sits in between both of those.

Time for a quick check-in.

Which part of the design cycle does a medium fidelity prototype belong to? Is it a early sketch stage.

B, between rough models and final prototypes? C, during packaging and marketing.

Or D, during user research interviews.

Have a think, make your decision.

Come back to me when you are ready.

Well done if you got B.

Medium fidelity prototypes sit between rough models and final prototypes.

Medium fidelity prototypes look and work more realistically than a rough model, but it isn't fully finished or detailed.

So they often include moving parts, accurate proportions, and testable features.

Let's take a little look at an example.

Here is a medium fidelity prototype, which is more refined in comparison to low fidelity prototypes.

And you can clearly see that this one, although it's still out of cardboard, has been laser cut.

Being laser cut often means that more thought and consideration has been put into the measurements to give more accurate proportions.

Let's remind ourselves the theme of this unit is inclusive design, focusing in on mental health and wellbeing.

Medium fidelity prototypes are ideal for checking basic movement, realistic proportions, ergonomics with regards to comfort and fit.

And usability, how easy is it to use? So let's link this to our theme.

For example, when designing a stress relief handle, a medium fidelity version might be shaped to fit the hand and allow squeezing or rotation, but it wouldn't yet have final materials or decoration.

Quick check-in.

What is the main goal of a medium fidelity prototype? Is it A, to choose color and surface finish? B, to demonstrate final branding.

C, to test how well a product functions and feels.

Or D, to package the finished design.

Have a think, read back through the options and come back to me when you've made your decision.

Well done if you got C.

The main goal of medium fidelity prototyping is to test how well a product functions and feel.

Low fidelity prototypes are quick and used to test ideas, however, they don't usually function.

You can't tell if the design actually works in practice.

By progressing to medium fidelity, designers can begin to test real use and ask questions such as, do the parts move correctly? Is it comfortable to hold or wear? Does it support the weight it needs to? Is the design confusing to use? And these are some of the questions that you will need to ask yourself when you are producing medium fidelity prototypes.

Let's take another check-in.

Why is a medium fidelity prototype more useful than a low fidelity one? Is it A, it's made from cheaper materials.

B, it's faster to make.

C, it's only used for display purposes.

Or D, it can be tested for usability and ergonomics.

Pause the video.

Have a think.

Come back to me when you've made your decision.

Well done if you got D.

Medium fidelity prototypes are more useful than a low fidelity one because it can be tested for usability and ergonomics.

Medium fidelity prototypes make it possible to test how designs work for a range of users, including those with different physical or mental health needs.

Testing, usability and ergonomics at this stage helps ensure that products are comfortable and safe to use.

Layouts or interactions are simple and intuitive.

And designs support mental wellbeing, reducing frustration and increasing confidence.

Medium fidelity prototypes are semi-functional and sturdy enough to handle real user interaction.

Medium fidelity prototypes are used across many material areas.

Let's have a look at a few examples.

So timbers, a soft wood rocking chair, tested for height and balance.

Polymers, a 3D printed wearable device, tested for comfort.

Metals, a wire frame lamp tested for structure and reach.

Textiles, a padded cushion cover tested for sensory elements.

And papers and boards.

A book cover with interactive fidget elements tested for durability.

Now, although these are examples from different areas, quite often we use medium fidelity prototypes that use a mixture of these different material areas, and that's perfectly okay too.

Time for another check-in.

Which of these prototypes best allow ergonomic testing? Is it A, a cardboard sketch of a lamp.

B, a CAD, computer aided design rendering of a cushion.

C, a soft wood chair tested for posture.

Or D, a moodboard of design ideas? Have a think, perhaps speak with the person next to you or perhaps tell me.

Come back to me when you have made your decision.

Well done if you got C.

A softwood chair tested for posture allows ergonomic testing.

Medium fidelity prototypes bridge the gap between ideas and finished designs.

They are the first point where designers can test usability and inclusivity, ensuring that products are functional, comfortable, and user friendly for all.

By using more realistic materials and testing how users interact with a design, this stage reduces costly mistakes and supports inclusive design for mental health and wellbeing.

Onto task A, part one, explain what is meant by a medium fidelity prototype.

Part two, explain one reason why medium fidelity prototypes are important in inclusive design.

Part three, compare the differences between a low fidelity and a medium fidelity prototype in terms of its purpose.

And lastly, sketch a quick medium fidelity prototype of a solution to your identified problem that is based on inclusive design, focusing in on mental health and wellbeing.

Label which materials can be used to build the prototype.

Good luck, I can't wait to see your solutions Come back to me when you're done.

Let's take a little look at our answers.

Part one, I asked you to explain what is meant by a medium fidelity prototype.

A medium fidelity prototype is a semi-functional model that shows how a product will work and feel.

It allows designers to test ergonomics and usability before making a final version.

Part two, explain one reason why medium fidelity prototypes are important in inclusive design.

They help designers check that a product is comfortable and accessible for different users.

This ensures it supports usability and reduces frustration for people with varying needs.

Part three, compare the differences between a low fidelity and a medium fidelity prototype in terms of its purpose.

A low fidelity prototype is quick and rough, made to explore ideas often from card or foam.

A medium fidelity prototype is more realistic and can be tested for comfort and usability, helping designers improve their design before final production.

Part four, sketch a quick medium fidelity prototype of a solution to your identified problem that is based on inclusive design, mental health and wellbeing.

Label which materials can be used to build the prototype.

So first of all, let's remind ourselves, Izzy did a low fidelity sketch.

She then moved to a low fidelity prototype, so now she needs to come up with a medium fidelity prototype.

So let's have a little look at a sketch that she has produced for her medium fidelity prototype.

And you can see, let's see what she's labeled.

A frosted polypropylene light cover, flexiply casing for the curved parts and MDF sides and base.

Great idea there, Izzy.

Moving on to our second learning cycle, ergonomics, accessibility and usability.

The theme of this unit is inclusive design, focusing in on mental health and wellbeing.

An example of a stressor, barrier and opportunity could be Alex.

Now we've met Alex before.

Let's remind ourselves Alex.

Alex is a GCSE student revising for exams. His stressor that he faces is exams and workload.

The barrier that he faces is stress and anxiety, and this leads to an impact of increased feelings of pressure.

So we said an opportunity could be a desk light with a Micro:bit.

Pomodoro timer display.

Let's recap what Pomodoro is.

So the Pomodoro technique uses 25 minute work sessions, which we call Pomodoros.

With five minute breaks and a longer 15 to 30 minute break after every four sessions.

It's a great technique to use when you are revising.

Let's take a closer look at the Pomodoro technique because it might be something you also want to try.

So history of the Pomodoro technique.

Francesco Cirillo was a university student who wanted to improve his focus while studying.

He experimented with short timed work sessions to boost concentration using a tomato shaped kitchen timer.

Now the word pomodoro, you might recognize that pomodoro means tomato in Italian, which inspired the name for the Pomodoro technique.

So how exactly does the Pomodoro technique work? Well, after much experimentation Cirillo refined the study method into a structured time management system.

So one Pomodoro cycle basically means you work for 25 minutes and then you rest for five.

However, after four Pomodoro study cycles, you take a longer rest break for 30 minutes to allow your mind to switch off and you to be refreshed for when you come back.

Why don't you try this technique at home when you are revising and see whether it works for you and keeps your focus, worth a try? Ergonomics is one of our key words today.

Let's remind ourselves what it means.

Ergonomics is the study of how people interact physically with a product.

It focuses on comfort, fit, and efficiency.

For example, how a user's hand fits around a handle or how easily they can reach a button.

In inclusive design, good ergonomics supports wellbeing by reducing strain, frustration, and discomfort.

Now, a lovely example that you may or may not be familiar with is a gaming controller.

Now a gaming controller is designed with ergonomics in mind.

So if you think about it, those buttons are really easy to press, but also really easy to reach without you even looking at the gaming controller.

Instead, you tend to be looking at the screen.

That is a great example of good ergonomics.

Time for a quick check-in.

What is the main purpose of ergonomic testing? Is it A, to check how comfortable and efficient a product is to use.

B, to decide color and finish.

C, to calculate material cost.

Or D, to add branding and logos.

Have a think, make your choice, come back to me when you have decided.

Well done if you got A, the main purpose of ergonomic testing is to check how comfortable and efficient a product is to use.

Let's take a little look at how ergonomics have been considered in this design of a desk light with a Micro:bit Pomodoro timer display that we saw in the answers of task A.

Before I go through it, I'd like you to pause the video and think yourselves.

How has ergonomics been considered in this design? Perhaps speak with the person next to you.

Perhaps have a class discussion or tell me your answers.

Pause the video, come back when you've got some great thoughts, Right, let's come back, draw ourselves back together.

And I wonder whether you got some of the same answers that I came up with, let's take a little look.

The light intensity is softened with a frosted cover.

The angle of the light is pointed downwards to avoid glare.

A sturdy base is stable to avoid stress or distraction.

The sounds that are played to signal the end of a revision cycle are not loud or harsh.

The LED matrix display provides a visual cue on the Pomodoro cycle.

And the switches are easy to access without overreaching.

Well done if you've got some of the same things and perhaps you identified a few others too.

Usability means how easy, intuitive and reliable a product is to use.

A usable design allows the user to achieve their goal easily without confusion or stress.

Good usability supports mental wellbeing by making interactions calm and predictable.

This helps users feel confident.

And a lovely example of this are smartphones.

A smartphone, a new smartphone rarely comes with a set of instructions as the design is intuitive or easy to work out how to use.

Which of these best describes good usability? A, the product looks decorative.

B, the product uses the most expensive materials.

C, the product can be repaired.

D, the product is simple, reliable, and easy to understand.

Have a think, come back to me when you've made your choice.

Well done if you got D.

Good usability is described as the product being simple, reliable, and easy to understand.

Let's take what we've just talked about with usability and put that into this design.

So how usability has been considered in this design of a desk light with a Micro:bit Pomodoro timer display.

Let's take a little look.

The soft light level and simple timer rhythm help maintain focus during work sessions promoting mental wellbeing.

The layout is simple enough that users don't need instructions.

The LED matrix display is clear and visible at a glance.

And there are minimal amount of buttons.

There's not loads that you need to look at and work out what they do, it's quite intuitive.

When a prototype is comfortable and ergonomic and easy to use, usable, it naturally becomes more inclusive, meaning it works well for a wider range of users, including those affected by stress, anxiety, or concentration difficulties.

Inclusive medium fidelity prototypes help designers to check is the product comfortable and calm to use? Can it be used confidently without making mistakes or confusion? And does it reduce stress or sensory overload during use? These are great questions for you to also ask yourself about your own medium fidelity prototype.

Time for a quick check-in.

How can good usability and ergonomics promote mental wellbeing? A, by making products more decorative.

B, by reducing stress and frustration during use.

C, by adding complex functions.

Or D, by using expensive materials.

Have a think, consider the answers and come back to me when you've made your decision.

Well done if you got B.

Good Usability and ergonomics promote mental wellbeing by reducing stress and frustration during use.

Medium fidelity prototypes need materials that are durable enough for functional testing, but still easy to shape join and adjust as the design develops.

The choice of material depends on the product type, the properties being tested and the tools available.

So for example, with timbers you might use softwood, plywood, MDF polymers, you might use acrylic hips, polypropylene, 3D printing filament.

Metals, you might use sheet aluminum, rods, tubing or wire.

Textiles,.

you might use fel, foam or calico.

Papers and boards, you might use foam board or duplex or corrugated card, but again, you don't have to stick to one material area.

Quite often, design solutions need a variety from different material areas, and that's okay.

Time for another check.

Which material combination is most suitable for a medium fidelity prototype? Is it A, MDF with acrylic or fabric components? B, thin paper and masking tape.

C, Polish glass and copper.

Or D, hardwood and resin casting.

Have a think, make your decision and come back to me when you have chosen.

Well done if you got A, MDF with acrylic or fabric components is a material combination suitable for medium fidelity prototype.

Onto task B, part one, define the term ergonomics.

Part two, explain how ergonomics and usability together can improve inclusivity.

And lastly, three, build a medium fidelity prototype of the solution you sketched from Task A.

Enjoy the prototyping and I can't wait to see what you produce.

Part one, define the term ergonomics.

Ergonomics is the study of how people physically interact with products to make them comfortable and efficient to use.

Part two, explain how ergonomics and usability together can improve inclusivity.

If a product is comfortable to use and simple to understand it supports a wider range of users.

This reduces stress and confusion, helping users feel calm and confident, which supports mental wellbeing.

Part three, build a medium fidelity prototype of the solution you sketched from Task A.

Let's take a little look at Izzy's solution.

So her medium fidelity prototype.

From the side, you can see the MDF top base and sites.

From the front view, you can see the LED light strip and the flexiply front and back.

And then you can see her medium fidelity prototype with the light and timer on.

So the frosted polypropylene cover covers the light, and then there is a cutout for the display and buttons for the timer.

Part three continued.

These are the simulations for the Micro:bit that Izzy did.

This gif here shows that when button A is pressed, the light is switched on.

When button B is pressed, the light is switched off.

Now let's take a closer look.

This video shows a simulation of the Pomodoro timer, but please note the process has been sped up.

(electronic tune sounds) (electronic tune sounds) (electronic tune sounds) This brings us to the end of our lesson today.

Let's summarize what we have found out.

Medium fidelity prototypes are built from stronger, more realistic materials to test how a design functions in real use ergonomics focuses on how comfortable and efficient a product is to use.

Usability is about making a product simple, clear and reliable for all users.

Designing for mental health and wellbeing means creating products that feel calming, supportive, and reduce stress.

Well done with all of your hard work today, and I hope to see you in another lesson soon.

Take good care, bye, by, bye.