NVQ 6404 - Understand the purpose of realizing a design prototype, model, mock-up, artwork, sample or test piece

Understand the purpose of realizing a design prototype, model, mock-up, artwork, sample or test piece.

1.1 Explain how design prototypes contribute to the realisation of the design brief. 
The use of prototypes help to understand if the design brief is realistic or not and helps to establish a budget and time frame by helping to see which materials and techniques are going to work the most effectively yet still be low cost and quick to manufacture. A design brief concentrates on the desired results of the design whereas a prototype helps to figure out the aesthetics.

1.2 Give examples of how different media can be used to create prototypes, models, mock-ups artwork, samples or test pieces. 
Light weight, cheap and 'fast to work with' materials are usually used when creating prototypes, models, mock-ups, artwork, samples or test pieces as obviously they are more cost effective and leave room for problems and mistakes which can be remade again and again at low cost until the desired result is reached.
below are a few examples of prototypes made from different materials such as clay as and wood





1.3 Outline how to plan the realisation of a prototype. 
To plan a prototype you must first establish the prototype objectives, so what is the goal of the prototype?
- To find and fix any aesthetic issues.
- To find and fix any usability issues.
- To help to understand the nature of the product.
- To help to understand which materials would be most suitable of cost efficient.
- To help understand which manufacturing process will be most effective.
- The estimate a cost and realistic deadline.
- And to eventually create a working model of the product without flaws.

2.2 Select suitable media/ materials and associated tools, equipment, techniques and processes to meet a given brief.

2.3 Realize a viable prototype using small scale realisation techniques. 

I was given a logo to recreate in Coral Draw to be set up to be cut using the CAD cut machine, I am testing out different fonts to see which is the closest to the actual logo, once I was happy with my design I exported it into Sign Script in 2 different sizes and then proceed to print off one of each for testing.

I have set up the vinyl in the CAD cut machine and have weeded the 2 different sizes ready for printing on some tester fabric.

Printing using the heat press and peeling back the backing plastic from the design.

After printing both sizes of the design onto a garment I could clearly see that the smaller (Pink) design was the better suited for the kit as the other was too large and would look over powering, I ran off more of the chosen design size in the right navy blue colour and printed them onto the kits and both I and the customer were happy with the end result.

The first prototype that I produced (the blue one) my manager told me was too large and didn’t meet the football regulations for the sponsor logo size. So then I created a second prototype and the sponsors logo was made smaller to meet the regulations, my employer was happy with this prototype and okayed it so I could continue with the project and produce 14 separate shirts.

2.4 Produce the prototype to an agreed standard within budget and on time. 

A Client came in wanting hoodies printed with a budget of £30, we agreed that this would only be possible if they provided their own garments, which they did, and were limited to 2 colours. I printed the agreed design (referencing the prototype for type, colour, font, size and placement) and the client was happy with the result so I printed this on the rest of the garments within budget and on time.

2.4 Gather and record data for evaluation for performance, function and ease of use. 
As the garments were provided by the clients themselves, they had already gotten the sizes and styles that they wanted. The initial prototype looked great and worked perfectly unless the garment was worn with the hood down, the text on the back was printed just a little too high so some of it ended up getting covered, this was noted by the client and was changed for the rest of the garments.

2.5 Produce a concise evaluation report on the prototype and the client response.

The prototype went well, all specifications and possible problems and solutions were discussed with the client, we agreed to stay within their budget of £30 that they had to provide their own garment and be limited to only 2 colours and fonts, we decided on;
- Fonts
- Colouring
- Size
- Placement
- Text
which are shown in the example photo above.
When the client was shown the prototype, they were pleased with the result, they just wanted the text on the back to be a little bit lower down that what I printed so as not to be obstructed by the hood when worn. When all the final garments were finished, the client gave very positive feedback as they were pleased with the result being finished to the agreed standard, meeting all their specifications, being within budget and on time.