Prototyping Disadvantages and Prototype Manufacturing Information

Prototyping Disadvantages and the process of Rapid
Prototyping is discussed along with and explanation of the disadvantages of
Rapid Prototyping.

Rapid prototyping is a process wherein a working model or
prototype is developed for the purpose of testing the various product features
like design, ideas, features, functionality, performance and output. This
process of development of working model is quite quick. The user can give an
early feedback regarding the prototype. Rapid prototyping is, generally, a
significant and essential part of the system designing process and it is
believed to decrease the project cost and risk.

 

The prototype that is developed by the process of rapid
prototyping is based on the performance of earlier designs. Hence, it is
possible to correct the defects or problems in the design by taking corrective
measures. The product can be produced if the prototype meets the requirements
of all designing objectives after sufficient refinement. There are many
advantages of rapid prototyping.

 

Rapid Prototyping ?Advantages in brief: Rapid
prototyping has manifold advantages. It can provide with concept proof that
would be required for attracting funds. The prototype gives the user a fair
idea about the final look of the product. Rapid prototyping can enhance the
early visibility. It is easier to find the design flaws in the early
developmental stages. Active participation among the users and producer is
encouraged by rapid prototyping. As the development costs are reduced, rapid
prototyping proves to be cost effective. The user can get a higher output.

 

The deficiencies in the earlier prototypes can be detected
and rectified in time. The speed of 
system development is increased. It is possible to get immediate
feedback from the user. There is better communication between the user and
designer as the requirement sand expectations are expressed in the beginning
itself. High quality product is easily delivered by way of rapid prototyping.
Rapid prototyping enables development time and costs. There are many innovative
ways in which rapid prototyping can be used.

 

Despite all these benefits, there are many people who
believe that there are many disadvantages of rapid prototyping.

 

Disadvantages of Rapid Prototyping: Some
people are of the opinion that rapid prototyping is not effective because, in
actual, it fails in replication of the real product or system. It could so
happen that some important developmental steps could be omitted to get a quick
and cheap working model. This can be one of the greatest disadvantages of rapid
prototyping. Another disadvantage of rapid prototyping is one in which many
problems are overlooked resulting in endless rectifications and revisions. One
more disadvantage of rapid prototyping is that it may not be suitable for large
sized applications.

 

The user may have very high expectations about the
prototype’s performance and the designer is unable to deliver these. The system
could be left unfinished due to various reasons or the system may be
implemented before it is completely ready. The producer may produce an
inadequate system that is unable to meet the overall demands of the
organization. Too much involvement of the user might hamper the optimization of
the program. The producer may be too attached to the program of rapid
prototyping, thus it may lead to legal involvement.

 

The cost reduction benefit of rapid prototyping
also seems to be debatable , as sufficient details regarding the calculation
basis and assumptions are not substantial.

About the author

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June 23, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized 

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