ABSTRACT
Prototyping is a quick way to learn about the characteristics of a product by incorporating direct feedback from users into a design. A prototype can be created for how it will look, how it will feel, how it will function, where to get it made, and/or how to make sure it will turn out the way one wants it. However, prototyping can also be a very time- and cost-consuming process. Therefore, unless there is a good justification, a prototype should not be conducted. It is thus critical to have a well-thought-out plan before producing a prototype. Good project management of a project team includes good communication, mentoring and brainstorming, resource allocation, tracking and measurement, and a good project manager. Cost estimation is without a doubt one of the most difficult and important aspects of any engineering project. Learning curve recognizes that repetition of the same operation results in less time or effort expended on that operation.
