Having my prototype shared as part of a speed date was a great way to get quick and varied feedback. Presenting the ideas in a short amount of time forced me to focus on the core functionality of each prototype, which helped me clarify my design decisions. It was interesting to see how different people interpreted my creations – some saw new possibilities that I hadn’t considered – like using a paper roll as a kaleidoscope.
One of the most valuable insights was realising how simple materials can lead to innovative solutions if approached creatively. The projection device helped me think about possible improvements, especially in terms of usability.
All in all, this session highlighted the importance of developing ideas, open discussion and looking at designs from multiple perspectives, key aspects of a strong prototyping process.
Here are my all three prototypes:
Crossbow from a paper clip
The first prototype I created is a tiny but functional crossbow, made primarily from a paper clip, a rubber band, and a small piece of paper or a toothpick as an arrow. I bent the paper clip into a crossbow shape and secured a rubber band to provide the necessary tension for launching the projectile.
This small crossbow demonstrates basic mechanical principles, particularly elasticity and tension. The rubber band stores energy, and when I release it, the projectile shoots forward. It was a fun experiment in leveraging small-scale mechanics to achieve movement and functionality.
Projection from a paper roll
For my second prototype, I explored light and shadow projection using a paper roll. I drew specific shapes into the roll and placed a light source behind it to create simple projections on a surface. The concept is similar to shadow puppetry or projectors, relying on light diffusion and obstruction to form visible patterns.
This experiment helped me better understand basic optical principles, like how light travels in straight lines and how different materials can block or diffuse it. By playing with shapes, angles, and distances, I was able to adjust the clarity and size of the projection. This could even be a starting point for interactive light installations or custom lamp designs.
Phone stand from a paper roll
For my third prototype, I wanted to make something practical, a DIY phone stand using a paper roll. By cutting slots into the roll, I created a stand that holds my phone at the perfect viewing angle.
I like this prototype because it’s both eco-friendly and functional. Instead of buying a phone stand, I repurposed a simple household item into something useful. This small project made me think about ergonomics and accessibility, as well as how design can make everyday tasks more convenient.
These three prototypes showed me how creativity and problem-solving can lead to functional designs using basic materials. Each one shows different aspects of design – from mechanics (crossbow) and optics (projection) to usability and ergonomics (phone stand). Prototyping with limited resources pushed me to reuse materials and find innovative solutions.
