Prototyping and Modelmaking for Product Design (Portfolio Skills) Paperback – October 3, 2012

I just got this two day ago, and I'm already giddy about it. It addresses what I think is a huge gap in existing resources about product design.If you're an aspiring inventor or product designer, you've probably wanted to make prototypes of your sketches or ideas.Most books on product design deal with the conceptual, problem-solving aspect. They tend to gloss over the actual creation of the product, and when they mention prototyping, it's usually the later stages. Here's a summary of every product design case study I've ever read: "The studio created several in-house prototypes. Once they'd worked out most of the dimensions and materials, they made a computer model using CAD, for further refinement."Yes, we know. We know that's what they did. But HOW did they make those first prototypes, the ones that helped them move on to CAD? What tools and techniques did they use? That's what this book is for.There's a ton of existing information on CAD software, rapid prototyping, 3D printing, CNC machining, etc. The problem is that none of this will help you get started. It would be incredibly inefficient - and creatively stifling - to make precision-made parts on a computer screen without first having worked out most of your design details physically, by hand. It would be a stab in the dark.Especially in the earlier stages, you just want to test how things fit, feel, and work together. You want to play with different materials, found objects, shapes you can can quickly cut, carve and glue. Cut a notch here, carve a dent there, make the handle thicker, the base heavier, etc. Evolving your design as you go.This book explains - in detail, with pictures - the different tools, techniques, and materials you use to do that. It goes over "looks like" and "works like" prototypes. Hand tools, power tools, work flow, workspace, and safety. Adhesives, foam, plastic, wood, metal, and the cutting and shaping of them all. There are a variety of case studies and tutorials, all dealing with different kinds of products, and designed to give you a decent idea of how to use all these tools and materials, or at least get started with more learning on your own. After skimming a few pages, I had already learned what kind of materials I personally needed for one of my projects, and I had some idea of how to work with it. Now I know what tools and materials I need to try exploring and practicing on my own.This book is, of course, no substitute for hands-on learning. It's an overview, and it packs in quite a bit of information at a very reasonable price. People train for years to learn the techniques outlined here. Also, the book is also very clear that power tools and machines must not be used without supervised training, and so no attempt is made to teach their use in any detail at all. But, having read this book, you will have a much better idea of exactly what skills you need to hone, and the ones you can't hone yourself, you'll at least know what you're looking for.

nice book but the information is pretty shallow. in general, the book is well made with good quality but in most parts, it just states the obvious.

Nice price for renting! It was in decent condition but as long as I was able to read it was fine for me. It gives you a good amount of time for renting and it was easy to return.

Although this book does not go really in depth on processes and material selection it does give a good overview of how to go about prototyping. I would recomend this to anyone looking for an introductory book.

😚

This is the kinda book I wish I had during my undergrad years.It is a must have for Industrial design students and professionals.Great book.

Great book, awesome references.

Much better than I thought it would be. It's the first book that really shows techniques and processes that you will likely use when modelling and prototyping.

Este libro lo compré hace tiempo pero creo que viene muy completo. Lo recomiendo mucho para estudiantes o aquellos que quieren aprender un poco sobre el prototipado de sus productos. Viene super detallado con imágenes de las etapas del proceso de prototipado.

Livro excelente para demonstrar os processos utilizados na fabricacao de modelos, mockups e prototipos.

This book is not only very informative, but also very easy to understand. Each section includes detailed explanation and picture or illustration that clarifies many misunderstanding from texts. There are also many examples of products made from different types of prototyping techniques, which is very useful when deciding how or what methods to use to prototype an object.If you are buying this book it probably mean that you are :prepared to get your hands dirty on some home projectprototypeshobbies

Great insight on product design prototyping. This is my go to reference book for an prototyping/model-making technique. I love the case studies in the book to provide examples.

Author is now my thesis supervisor! Good to read, can't wait for an update on more practical or cookbook version