Everything about prototyping

The maker mindset and the encompassing digital fabrication technologies offer versatile tools and approaches to prototype innovative solutions for real-life problems. This course is a multi-disciplinary and hands-on learning experience that empowers students to learn-by-doing. The objective is to transfer the basic understanding of (1) product design, (2) digital fabrication and (3) electronics in three modules. Each module is divided into chapters that dive deeper into the respective areas of knowledge and invites the student to directly apply their gained knowledge.

Participants will gain a basic understanding of a variety of making techniques and will be invited to put into practice their knowledge and skills in physical projects. By the completion of the course, participants will have learned how to use digital fabrication tools, machines, and skills such as 2D design and 3D design, Computer-controlled cutting, 3D printing, Computer-controlled machining and Electronics. Furthermore, they will:

The course “Everything about prototyping” is divided into three modules. The modules are (1) product design, (2) digital fabrication and (3) electronics in four modules. Each of these modules builds on top of the other, hence following a logical order. However, each of the modules can be separately conducted based on interests and the existing knowledge of participants.

It is recommended to allocate one week time for each chapter to give the students the most possible immersive experience with the newly introduced topics, tools, and skills. However, the format and time intensity of the course can be adapted by the instructor.

For example, one module can take place over two weeks, including a 2-hour lecture for the module, and 2-hour of introductions to each chapter with additional allocated hours for group and individual work.

Example Module in one-week:

Friday

Free working time for participants

Project presentation

Example Module, with one week per chapter:

Week 5

Collective revision of work and finalizing projects

Project presentation

This course can be designed modular and contextualized based on the availability of resources, types of machinery, and skills of the facilitator and participants at the training location.

Comments on form of instruction:

Individual work or lectures, group work and group assignments.

Prerequisites for examination of participation:

Following the learning by-doing methodology the participants of the course will be invited to put their newly developed skills directly into practice. Participants can develop projects that use digital fabrication technology either in individual or group work.

Language of instruction:

English