SECTION I PROTOTYPING THE PROTOTYPE
these. Providing the context mitigated miscommunication and aligned project direction. The physical properties of the prototypes helped to reduce the ambiguity of the innovative ideas being proposed by the student team in their research. The physicality of the prototype embodied the knowledge gained from user testing. The physical objects could be used in acted scenarios to demonstrate the concept to the industry partner, additionally allowing them to become an actor as well and contribute to the research. On the other hand, having physical prototypes allowed the industry partner to pass their professional knowledge back to the students by identifying better ways to construct and design packaging, as well as optimize the design for a more efficient and commercially viable production outcome in the later stages of the project. Finally, strong communication through prototyping alleviated the industry partners concern for success by demonstrating that a functioning physical product, despite being of low fidelity, was achievable. Learnings from this case identify how prototyping brokers not only the assumptions of a brief but also how it reinforces how individual knowledge can become shared knowledge, forming the knowledgeability of the community of practice. Being on the same page is important in order for stakeholders to operate cohesively. Getting to be on the same page requires communication and the acknowledgement of the purpose of the prototyping activity and the prototype as an outcome. The brokering of knowledge provides a more unified environment where risk, failure, and trust are accepted and create the conditions for innovation to occur.
The prototype progression of “Paintpac,� from low fidelity to working mock-up.
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