Try it Out Before You Finalize the DesignTry it Out Before You Finalize the Design

Originally Published MDDI October 2003

Alarms

Laurence Harris

Often product developers can benefit from early rapid prototyping (ERP) of an alarm subsystem using a program running on an ordinary desktop computer. This process can simulate the behaviors called out in the specifications before committing expensive engineering time to creating a system that later turns out to be inadequate. Developers can present potential users a chance to react to a particular strategy and obtain constructive comments on it at an early stage. Some facets of and benefits of ERP may include the following:

• ERP is low in cost with a fast turnaround time.
• Multiple versions can be made to compare concepts.
• Prototypes are useful for market research on the product concept before completing the design.
• Prototypes can be combined with visual and tactile components to gain a total product experience.
• ERP can sometimes be used as a tool for specifying user-interface behaviors in a PRS.
• Prototypes can be used for testing and training before product release.. 

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