Prototype Systems Development

Prototype System Design

Prototype development is a simple and relatable way to problem solving. The Idea of prototype systems development mirrors the way people have been working out problems for years. The simple way to explain prototype development is that a person identifies a problem or need, designs a way to satisfy that problem or need and then test the solution to see if it works.

In prototype systems design a Aprototype is built, tested, and then reworked as necessary untill an acceptable prototype is finally achieved form which the complete system or product can now be developed. (1) The idea of a prototype has been used for years in the automotive and aircraft design industry. The prototype gives a scale model of how the product or system could function and allows inputs to be made to improve the product or system. AThe purpose of prototyping is to shorten development times and to reduce the costs of development. (2)      

Some advantages of prototyping are Aspeed, flexibility, simplicity, ease, and lower costs of development. (2) Some drawbacks of prototyping are that Aprototyping can lead to false expectations. [It] often creates a situation where the customer mistakenly believes that the system is finished when in fact it is not. (3)        Another disadvantage of prototyping is that Aprototyping can lead to poorly designed systems. Because the idea of prototyping is rapid development the design and system can sometimes suffer. This happens because the system is built in layers rather than looking at the system as a whole. (3)

A good example of a prototype built system was developed by Monarch Resources. AA team of five people developed a complete, full featured variable life insurance administration system in 89 days. This system included new business, underwriting, and policy service functions. The cost of the system was $250,000 and was used to support the roll out of a new product. Much of the system has been modified since its= design but is still in use.(2)

As you can see the core ideas behind prototype design are simple and ease. A system can be developed in stages and routinely improved in a short amount of time at relatively low costs. Designers just need to be careful not to overlook the whole picture and concentration needs to be on the customers needs and desires in a new system.                          

1.         Http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/definition/prototyping-model

2.         Prototyping: Systems Development in Record Time, Nickols, Fred; www.nickols.us/prototyping.pdf

            3.         http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/reports/survey_of_sysdev?chapter=7&section=1

Haptic Technology

Haptic Technology

This week I chose to research haptic technology and interfaces. “Haptic technology is a tactile feedback technology that takes advantage of a user’s sense of tough by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.” (1) This may sound simple enough but programing a device to simulate the human touch and feel is very difficult. Despite the difficulties certain forms of haptic technology have been used for years in video game controllers. The system will give the player feedback in the form of vibrations in the controller during specific actions in the game.

            Another are that haptic technology is being used is the field of Prosthetics. In 2007 DARPA funded a program called Revolutionizing Prosthetics. Kinea design developed a prosthetic haptic interface system to “return the sense of touch to amputees, and refine the control mechanism used for high-level upper limb prosthetic devices by enabling the amputee to have sensory input.” (2) The Haptic feedback from the sensors “allow the motor system to control grip strength, ensuring that fragile objects are not crushed, and that objects of all different weights, sizes and shapes can be held and not dropped.” (2) The eventual goal is to provide amputees a prosthetic limb that functions and feels as normal as the original limb.

            A more recent breakthrough in haptic technology came in just the last month. Researches at EPFL, a Swiss Institute of Technology, announced they have developed a new haptic touch system that could revolutionize touchscreens and portable devices. Scientists discovered that piezoelectric material will vibrate when a voltage is applied and by adjusting the voltage the physical textures on the surface of the material will change. (3) Being able to adjust the textures of buttons on touch screens can make typing on flat screens more like typing on a key board. It can also assist people with poor vision by giving them reference points to work and learn from on traditional flat touch screens.

            While Haptic technology may be the most difficult to incorporate into current technology the possible benefits can and will be enormous. Touch is only one part of haptic technology that also includes taste and smell. Once researches can incorporate all the senses into new technology we will be able to explore true virtual worlds.

           

1.      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haptic_technology#cite_note-0

2.      http://www.kineadesign.com/portfolio/tactor/

3.      http://www.slashgear.com/haptic-touchscreen-tech-creates-virtual-textures-video-16195716/