You're low on resources for prototyping. How do you decide which design modifications to prioritize?

Using Similitude, the cost of testing can be drastically reduced by using scaled down prototypes. This can be done to reduce the amount of testing on actual working prototype.

When faced with limited resources for prototyping, prioritizing design modifications becomes crucial. In my project to develop the "2-in-1 motorized wheelchair bed," we adopted a strategic approach: We prioritized modifications that directly addressed the primary pain points of our users, such as the need for seamless transitions between wheelchair and bed modes and ease of control via joystick and voice commands. We concentrated on ensuring the core functionalities were robust, including motorized front and back drive, height adjustment, and continuous positional adjustments. These features were critical for user autonomy and comfort.

Bien évidemment le produit doit répondre à deux exigences fondamentales advenant une priorisation de la ressource: son aspect sécuritaire et la satisfaction des exigences du client.

Prioritize changes based on the impact they will have on improving user experience, addressing critical issues, and aligning with project goals. Consider feedback from different user segments and stakeholders to ensure a well-rounded prioritization.

Is is a cut throat world we live in. You either go the full 9 yards and produce a better, more viable product, or leave it alone and ride the wave you are on. People are getting more informed about clever tricks to make the same product seems more attractive, so the risk is much higher. The "value added scam" is just that, a scam.

Align with business goals such that the modifications align with your overall business objectives. Prioritize changes that support your strategic goals and that can drive growth or revenue.

I've focused on core functionality and safety. This involves prioritization of changes related to the product's primary purpose and dealing with critical safety concerns. Consider an MVP approach to resource allocation.

If you find yourself short on resources for prototyping, utilizing user feedback can be a cost-effective way to determine which design modifications to prioritize. By engaging with users early on and gathering their feedback on your designs, you can identify key areas for improvement based on their preferences and needs. Analyzing user feedback can help you pinpoint the most critical modifications that would enhance user satisfaction and address any pain points in the design. Prioritizing design changes based on user input ensures that you focus your limited resources on implementing modifications that align closely with user expectations and requirements.

Run the first round of testing and identify critical issues and usability improvements. Make a priority list of changes that will eliminate user pain points most effectively.

When there are limited prototyping resources, it is better to perform design changes that would have the greatest impact. In every modification, a cost-benefit test has to be considered, wherein material, labor, and time costs are weighed with the potential for improvements. Observe the changes that give the most bang for the buck, this means limited funds will be wisely spent on modifications that make a big difference in the end product.

When resources for prototyping are limited, employing cost analysis can be a strategic approach to determine which design modifications to prioritize. By evaluating the potential costs associated with each design change, you can assess the impact on the overall budget and resource allocation. This analysis allows you to identify modifications that offer the most significant improvements while keeping costs within manageable limits. Prioritizing design modifications based on cost analysis ensures that you optimize your resources effectively and focus on changes that provide the best value in terms of cost-effectiveness and design enhancement.

Leveraging simplicity in design can guide you in prioritizing design modifications. By opting for straightforward and uncomplicated design changes, you can focus on enhancements that are cost-effective and easy to implement. Simplifying the design can help you streamline the prototyping process, making it more efficient and resource-friendly. Prioritizing modifications that align with a simple and elegant design approach ensures that you make the most of your limited resources while still achieving significant improvements in the overall design.

When you're short on resources for prototyping, considering future-proofing can help you decide which design modifications to prioritize. By focusing on design changes that not only address immediate needs but also anticipate future requirements, you can ensure that your modifications have long-term value. Prioritizing future-proof design enhancements allows you to make strategic decisions that align with your long-term goals and minimize the need for frequent redesigns or updates, ultimately optimizing your resources effectively.

In my final year project , we evaluated the technical feasibility and potential impact of each modification. Changes that offered substantial improvements with minimal resource investment were prioritized. Considering our provisional patent (Patent Application No: IN 202341045745), we focused on enhancing the unique aspects of our design, ensuring that the most innovative and protectable features were fully realized. By focusing on these priorities, we maximized the value of our limited resources, ensuring that the essential features and unique advantages of our motorized wheelchair bed were developed and refined effectively.

Keep ALL parties involved with the project. Any potential bad news or glitches doesn’t get better with age. Ask for input from everyone and do not reject any ideas or suggestions!

If you are indeed low on resources, I would seek executive clarification on what are the big ticket items, and communicate it to the team. At times of low resources, our push should always be towards business priorities. Those can often be clarified with the executive staff.