Published Article / Atkinson distinguishes between four types of prototypes, categorised through its end-use: •Design or aesthetic prototypes •Geometrical prototypes •Functional prototypes •Technological prototypes Shigley and Mitchell define the design process according to the following six phases: Recognition of need Definition of problem Synthesis Analysis and optimization Evaluation Presentation The Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacture (CRPM) of the Central University of Technology, Free State was asked to assist in the development of a newly developed gynaecological cream applicator. Apart from needing a freeform fabrication system to give form fit and function to the very complex design, the product needed Rapid Tooling / Rapid Manufacturing support to enable a first batch production for medical trials and evaluation. The paper will describe the total product development process alongside prototype categories described by Atkinson and design phases defined by Shigley and Mitchell (including some iterations enabled through timeous prototyping, including various Rapid Prototyping (RP) Technologies, soft tooling and vacuum casting). More importantly, results from Rapid Tooling for limited run production (due to the complexity of the product the cycle time of the Prototype Tool is fairly long), as well as the economical impact made possible through the support of CAD / CAM and RP Technologies, will be discussed.

Enligt statistiken år 2010 fanns det 26 individer sett från en grupp på 100.000 som var tilldelade oxygenbehandling i hemmet. Oxygenbehandlingen tillför en bestämd mängd oxygen till bäraren då möjligheten att själv förse sig med rätt mängd för överlevnad hämmats. Den dominerande sjukdomen till oxygenbehandling i hemmet är KOL, kroniskt obstruktiv lungsjukdom. Som namnet antyder är det en kronisk sjukdom som ger inflammatoriska förändringar i lungans bronkioler. Dessa förändringar minskar andningsytan vilket resulterar i att individens andningskapacitet reduceras. Projektet använde metoder från dynamisk produktutveckling med användaren i fokus. Detta för att få fram en funktionell prototyp som kunde användas utav avsedd målgrupp och uppfylla det syfte, mål och krav som ställdes på projektets resultat. En viktig komponent som projektet därför arbetade med var insamling av data. För detta användes olika metoder som kunde tillskaffa sig information från både användare och förskrivare av oxygenbehandling.  Samtliga av de metoder som användes var beprövade sedan tidigare och projektet kunde därför med fördel genomföra intervjuer, observationer, matrisuppställningar, riskanalyser samt användartester på patienter med oxygenbehandling. Prototypen som togs fram i projektet resulterade i att avsedd målgrupp kunde utföra testmoment på den utan att det förekom risker med användandet. Resultatet uppfyllde därför syftet och målet med projektet som riktade sig mot att patienter skulle få möjlighet till att förflytta den syrgasslang som används vid oxygenbehandling. Vidare kunde slutsatsen dras att resultatet uppfyllde patienternas önskemål om att ta fram en möjlighet till förflyttning av syrgasslangen i hemmet samtidigt som det besvarade de frågeställningar som projektet strävade efter att besvara. Det fanns inga befintliga lösningar på det problem som beskrevs i projektet och det gav möjlighet att framställa en första prototyp som uppfyllde syftet och målet. / According to statistics, in 2010 there were 26 individuals seen by a group of 100,000 who were depending in home oxygen therapy (HOT). Oxygen treatment adds a certain amount of Oxygen to the patient because the ability to breathe correctly and sufficiently is negatively affected. The dominant disease that leads to HOT is COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As the name suggests, it is a chronic disease which gives inflammatory changes to the lung bronchioles. These changes affect the breathing surface which results in that the individuals’ respiratory capacity becomes reduced. The project used methods from dynamic product development with the user in focus. This to obtain a functional prototype that could be used by the target group and to fulfill the purpose, goals and requirements set for the project's results. An important component of the project therefore was to work with the collection of data. For this, various methods were used to obtain information from users as well as prescribers of HOT. All of the methods used have been tested earlier and proven reliable. This project collected information from interviews, observations, matrix arrays, risk analysis and usability testing in patients with HOT. The prototype developed in the project resulted in that the target group could perform live test without any risks during testing. The results showed that the aim and objective for the project were fulfilled, expressed in that patients would be able to move the oxygen tube used in HOT. It was further concluded that the results fulfilled the patients' desire and opportunity to move the Oxygen tube in their home and at the same time answered the questions that the project was to answer. There were no existing solutions to the problem which is included in the project, but it was possible to develop a first prototype that met the purpose and object of the project.

The concept of game development has traditionally not implemented the skills of professional writers to develop the scripts for a computer game. However, due to the growth in complexity and size of the computer game development process, as well as the growing teams of people involved in the development of computer games, the need to employ skilled writers has emerged in modern computer game development. It has, however, become clear that the role of the writer within the collaborative game development process is still ill-defined. And therefore, the writer who wishes to start writing for the games industry, is faced with a great deal of obstacles. It was therefore deemed necessary to develop a script development model for the creation of computer games that can assist the writer of a computer game by means of thorough guidance. The aim of this research project is therefore to develop such a model. The first step towards the establishment of a script development model, would be to determine the position of the writer in the collaborative game production communication process. In order to establish this, a communication model was developed for the communication process of the computer game development process, based on Roman Jakobson's communication model. After the position of the writer in the communication process was established, a game development model was developed to determine the position of the writer within the entire game development process. This was done so that the functions and responsibilities of the writer - within a greater collaborative development process - could be determined. This model was developed based on existing software development models, as well as two different models from the games industry that focus on different aspects within the game development process. With the position, functions and responsibilities of the writer determined, it was possible to postulate a script development model for the creation of computer games. This model was developed with an emphasis on the game context, creative strategies and analytical frameworks available to the writer. Furthermore guidelines were provided on the actual scripting of the computer game script, based on elements from drama theory. To test the script development model, a non-functional prototype (thin-slice) computer game script was developed based on the Fritz Deelman-series (Leon Rousseau). The script development model was used as guideline to establish whether the script development model could in future be used to develop a full-scale, implementable computer game script. / Thesis (M.A. (Afrikaans and Dutch))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The concept of game development has traditionally not implemented the skills of professional writers to develop the scripts for a computer game. However, due to the growth in complexity and size of the computer game development process, as well as the growing teams of people involved in the development of computer games, the need to employ skilled writers has emerged in modern computer game development. It has, however, become clear that the role of the writer within the collaborative game development process is still ill-defined. And therefore, the writer who wishes to start writing for the games industry, is faced with a great deal of obstacles. It was therefore deemed necessary to develop a script development model for the creation of computer games that can assist the writer of a computer game by means of thorough guidance. The aim of this research project is therefore to develop such a model. The first step towards the establishment of a script development model, would be to determine the position of the writer in the collaborative game production communication process. In order to establish this, a communication model was developed for the communication process of the computer game development process, based on Roman Jakobson's communication model. After the position of the writer in the communication process was established, a game development model was developed to determine the position of the writer within the entire game development process. This was done so that the functions and responsibilities of the writer - within a greater collaborative development process - could be determined. This model was developed based on existing software development models, as well as two different models from the games industry that focus on different aspects within the game development process. With the position, functions and responsibilities of the writer determined, it was possible to postulate a script development model for the creation of computer games. This model was developed with an emphasis on the game context, creative strategies and analytical frameworks available to the writer. Furthermore guidelines were provided on the actual scripting of the computer game script, based on elements from drama theory. To test the script development model, a non-functional prototype (thin-slice) computer game script was developed based on the Fritz Deelman-series (Leon Rousseau). The script development model was used as guideline to establish whether the script development model could in future be used to develop a full-scale, implementable computer game script. / Thesis (M.A. (Afrikaans and Dutch))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Esse trabalho apresenta um estudo sistemático de projeto baseado na integração da matriz da qualidade (QFD), com técnicas de análise funcional, com o objetivo de propor melhorias no projeto de dispositivos de sustentação e movimentação de membros superiores (sling), utilizados por terapeutas junto à pessoas com disfunção neuromuscular ou musculoesquelética decorrente de patologias que afetem a musculatura do ombro. Como objetivo complementar, foi feito um levantamento e análise comparativa das soluções técnicas propostas em bases de dados acadêmicas e de patentes, bem como soluções comerciais. Nas últimas décadas, um conjunto de fatores tem conduzido a demandas crescentes com relação à atuação das áreas de pesquisa e tecnologia, que possam fornecer soluções tecnicamente viáveis dentro das restrições de cada problema. A tecnologia assistiva, um campo interdisciplinar, que trata do desenvolvimento de equipamentos, desenhando fronteiras com questões de acessibilidade, com uso e adequação de produtos, atuando nas áreas de recuperação e reabilitação promovendo qualidade de vida e inclusão social de pessoas com algum tipo de deficiência ou mobilidade reduzida, apresenta uma lacuna no desenvolvimento e disponibilização de soluções. Nesse trabalho, o uso de ferramentas de metodologia de projeto, durante o projeto conceitual e em discussões do projeto informacional, permitiu uma melhor interface entre decisões técnicas de engenharia e os requisitos do usuário. O usuário intermediário, previamente definido, foram terapeutas ocupacionais, que prescrevem e acompanham o uso dos mecanismos e equipamentos junto aos usuários finais (pessoas com deficiência). Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho indicam que o uso de ferramentas de metodologia de projeto foi significativamente relevante, principalmente na fase do projeto informacional, permitindo a inserção das experiências dos profissionais da área de saúde no desenvolvimento do conceito que incorporou grau de inovação às soluções do sling. O uso da manufatura aditiva para visualização do conceito, bem como o desenvolvimento do protótipo funcional foram importantes, para criar um processo interativo e iterativo de melhorias durante o projeto de natureza multidisciplinar. Essas melhorias incluíram adequação a diferentes tipos de mobiliários e ambientes, incluindo o hospitalar, uso unilateral ou bilateral e sistema de deslizamento para movimento do braço no plano horizontal. / This paper presents a project of systematic study based on the integration of quality matrix (QFD), practical analysis techniques; with aim to propose improvements in device design support and movement of the upper limbs (sling), used by the therapist in individuals with neuromuscular dysfunction or resulting from musculoskeletal disorders affecting the shoulder musculature. To supplement, it was made a survey and comparative analysis of the technical solutions proposed in academic databases and patents, as well as business solutions. In recent decades, a number of factors have led to growing demands with regards to performance of the areas of research and technology, which can provide technical viable solutions within the constraints of each problem. The assistive technology, an interdisciplinary field that deals with the development of equipment, draws borders with accessibility issues, using and adapting products working in the areas of recovery and rehabilitation promoting quality of life and social inclusion of people with disability or reduced mobility, it presents a gap in the development and supply of solutions. In this work, the use of design methodology tools for the conceptual design and the informational project discussions enables a better interface between technical engineering decisions and user requirements. The intermediate user, previously set was occupational therapists, prescribes and monitors the use of the mechanisms and / or equipment to end users (people with disabilities). The results of this study indicate that the use of design methodology tools is significantly relevant, especially at the stage of informational design, allowing the insertion of health professionals experience in developing the concept that incorporated degree of innovation to sling solutions. These improvements include suitability for different types of securities and environments, including hospital, unilateral or bilateral use, and sliding arm system for movement in the horizontal plane. The use of additive manufacturing concept for the display, as well as the development of functional prototype are important to create an interactive and iterative process improvements during the project, a multidisciplinary nature.

Esta dissertação tem por objetivo tratar do problema de encaixe de moldes da indústria do vestuário. O problema consiste no encaixe bidimensional de itens pequenos (moldes), que possuem formas irregulares, dentro de um material que será cortado, que possui forma retangular com largura fixa e comprimento variável. O principal objetivo do encaixe é minimizar o desperdício do material que será cortado, neste caso, o tecido. Para tratar o problema do encaixe bidimensional de moldes propõe-se, a partir do desenvolvimento de uma técnica de encaixe, um protótipo funcional.A concepção da técnica foi realizada com as informações obtidas nas etapas de coleta de dados: dados indiretos (Fundamentação Teórica) e dados diretos (Observações Diretas e Entrevistas com especialistas no encaixe manual). Os dados obtidos nessas etapas e, principalmente, a triangulação dos mesmos, permitiram o desenvolvimento da técnica de encaixe de moldes, que consiste em três partes: representação gráfica do tecido e dos moldes, critérios de ordenamento e construção do layout. A técnica proposta está implementada no protótipo funcional Riscare através da linguagem Delphi. Para construir a interface do Riscare, realiza-se uma avaliação da usabilidade de um software comercial com a mesma função. Os conceitos avaliados auxiliaram no desenvolvimento da interface do Riscare. A criação do protótipo funcional possibilitou a comparação da técnica proposta para o encaixe de moldes com encaixes realizados manualmente, com um software comercial e com problemas considerados benchmarks da literatura. Na maioria dos testes comparativos realizados, o Riscare obteve resultados com rendimentos superiores. Os resultados alcançados mostram a qualidade da técnica proposta e, consequentemente, do protótipo funcional desenvolvido. / The objective of this work is to deal with pattern fitting problem in garment industry. The problem is two-dimensional fitting of small items (patterns) that have irregular shapes, within a material to be cut, which has a rectangular shape with fixed width and variable length. The main purpose of fitting is to minimize the material waste, in this case the fabric to be cut. To address the problem of two-dimensional pattern fitting, a functional prototype is proposed based on the fitting technique developed. The design technique is done with the information obtained in data collection: indirect data (theoretical basis) and direct data (observations and interviews with experts in manual fitting). Data obtained in data collection and its triangulation enabled the development of the pattern fitting technique, which consists of three parts: the graphical representation of the fabric and the pattern, the ranking criteria and layout construction. The proposed technique is implemented in Riscare functional prototype, developed using Delphi programming. An usability evaluation of a similar commercial software is performed to build the Riscare interface. The criteria evaluated helped the development of Riscare interface. The development of a functional prototype allows the comparison of the proposed technique for pattern fitting with fitting performed manually, with a commercial software and literature benchmark problems. In most comparative tests, the Riscare obtains results with higher yields. The results show the quality of the proposed technique and the functional prototype developed.

Esta dissertação tem por objetivo tratar do problema de encaixe de moldes da indústria do vestuário. O problema consiste no encaixe bidimensional de itens pequenos (moldes), que possuem formas irregulares, dentro de um material que será cortado, que possui forma retangular com largura fixa e comprimento variável. O principal objetivo do encaixe é minimizar o desperdício do material que será cortado, neste caso, o tecido. Para tratar o problema do encaixe bidimensional de moldes propõe-se, a partir do desenvolvimento de uma técnica de encaixe, um protótipo funcional.A concepção da técnica foi realizada com as informações obtidas nas etapas de coleta de dados: dados indiretos (Fundamentação Teórica) e dados diretos (Observações Diretas e Entrevistas com especialistas no encaixe manual). Os dados obtidos nessas etapas e, principalmente, a triangulação dos mesmos, permitiram o desenvolvimento da técnica de encaixe de moldes, que consiste em três partes: representação gráfica do tecido e dos moldes, critérios de ordenamento e construção do layout. A técnica proposta está implementada no protótipo funcional Riscare através da linguagem Delphi. Para construir a interface do Riscare, realiza-se uma avaliação da usabilidade de um software comercial com a mesma função. Os conceitos avaliados auxiliaram no desenvolvimento da interface do Riscare. A criação do protótipo funcional possibilitou a comparação da técnica proposta para o encaixe de moldes com encaixes realizados manualmente, com um software comercial e com problemas considerados benchmarks da literatura. Na maioria dos testes comparativos realizados, o Riscare obteve resultados com rendimentos superiores. Os resultados alcançados mostram a qualidade da técnica proposta e, consequentemente, do protótipo funcional desenvolvido. / The objective of this work is to deal with pattern fitting problem in garment industry. The problem is two-dimensional fitting of small items (patterns) that have irregular shapes, within a material to be cut, which has a rectangular shape with fixed width and variable length. The main purpose of fitting is to minimize the material waste, in this case the fabric to be cut. To address the problem of two-dimensional pattern fitting, a functional prototype is proposed based on the fitting technique developed. The design technique is done with the information obtained in data collection: indirect data (theoretical basis) and direct data (observations and interviews with experts in manual fitting). Data obtained in data collection and its triangulation enabled the development of the pattern fitting technique, which consists of three parts: the graphical representation of the fabric and the pattern, the ranking criteria and layout construction. The proposed technique is implemented in Riscare functional prototype, developed using Delphi programming. An usability evaluation of a similar commercial software is performed to build the Riscare interface. The criteria evaluated helped the development of Riscare interface. The development of a functional prototype allows the comparison of the proposed technique for pattern fitting with fitting performed manually, with a commercial software and literature benchmark problems. In most comparative tests, the Riscare obtains results with higher yields. The results show the quality of the proposed technique and the functional prototype developed.

Esta dissertação tem por objetivo tratar do problema de encaixe de moldes da indústria do vestuário. O problema consiste no encaixe bidimensional de itens pequenos (moldes), que possuem formas irregulares, dentro de um material que será cortado, que possui forma retangular com largura fixa e comprimento variável. O principal objetivo do encaixe é minimizar o desperdício do material que será cortado, neste caso, o tecido. Para tratar o problema do encaixe bidimensional de moldes propõe-se, a partir do desenvolvimento de uma técnica de encaixe, um protótipo funcional.A concepção da técnica foi realizada com as informações obtidas nas etapas de coleta de dados: dados indiretos (Fundamentação Teórica) e dados diretos (Observações Diretas e Entrevistas com especialistas no encaixe manual). Os dados obtidos nessas etapas e, principalmente, a triangulação dos mesmos, permitiram o desenvolvimento da técnica de encaixe de moldes, que consiste em três partes: representação gráfica do tecido e dos moldes, critérios de ordenamento e construção do layout. A técnica proposta está implementada no protótipo funcional Riscare através da linguagem Delphi. Para construir a interface do Riscare, realiza-se uma avaliação da usabilidade de um software comercial com a mesma função. Os conceitos avaliados auxiliaram no desenvolvimento da interface do Riscare. A criação do protótipo funcional possibilitou a comparação da técnica proposta para o encaixe de moldes com encaixes realizados manualmente, com um software comercial e com problemas considerados benchmarks da literatura. Na maioria dos testes comparativos realizados, o Riscare obteve resultados com rendimentos superiores. Os resultados alcançados mostram a qualidade da técnica proposta e, consequentemente, do protótipo funcional desenvolvido. / The objective of this work is to deal with pattern fitting problem in garment industry. The problem is two-dimensional fitting of small items (patterns) that have irregular shapes, within a material to be cut, which has a rectangular shape with fixed width and variable length. The main purpose of fitting is to minimize the material waste, in this case the fabric to be cut. To address the problem of two-dimensional pattern fitting, a functional prototype is proposed based on the fitting technique developed. The design technique is done with the information obtained in data collection: indirect data (theoretical basis) and direct data (observations and interviews with experts in manual fitting). Data obtained in data collection and its triangulation enabled the development of the pattern fitting technique, which consists of three parts: the graphical representation of the fabric and the pattern, the ranking criteria and layout construction. The proposed technique is implemented in Riscare functional prototype, developed using Delphi programming. An usability evaluation of a similar commercial software is performed to build the Riscare interface. The criteria evaluated helped the development of Riscare interface. The development of a functional prototype allows the comparison of the proposed technique for pattern fitting with fitting performed manually, with a commercial software and literature benchmark problems. In most comparative tests, the Riscare obtains results with higher yields. The results show the quality of the proposed technique and the functional prototype developed.