An exploration of prototyping strategies and frameworks through a systematized literature review

Abstract

Prototyping is an integral component of the engineering design process. Despite its central role, there remains a gap in understanding how prototyping frameworks might overlap, align or contradict, which this systematized literature review addresses. Understanding this gap is crucial, as prototypes directly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of developing new technologies and products that shape everyday life. This review synthesizes research from engineering design by examining theoretical and empirical studies, providing a holistic perspective on the current state of prototyping scholarship. A preliminary framework presents four aspects that can be used to characterize prototypes (Purpose, Dimension, Representation, Approach). Findings reveal that literature on virtual prototypes appears distant from literature on iterative and parallel prototyping. In addition, there are fewer pieces of literature on virtual, augmented and mixed reality focused on building conceptual or theoretical foundations. Clustering analysis reveals relationships and trends within the current literature. Finally, an in-depth examination of hybrid prototyping highlights inconsistencies in the way it is defined, underscoring a lack of consensus in the engineering design community. The outcomes of this review aim to clarify ongoing discourse in engineering design theory, call for expanded experimental work and present four propositions to be examined by future work.