Final Considerations on Prototypes in Design Research

The study Paride presented in this book was developed by a team of researchers from the Department of Design of Politecnico di Milano. The aim was to have a general understanding of how the role of prototypes in design research is evolving. The investigation started with the literature review and analysis that let us frame a general overview of the matter, later examined through interviews with experts and a collection of case studies. We concluded that the general role of prototypes in design research is to support the transition from abstract concepts to defined design solutions. Prototypes can be used in specific phases of the research process to reach particular aims throughout the design research process. Prototypes arepurposefulandtransient objects made to concretize a conceptual idea. Playing these roles and reaching these aims, prototypes can support the generation of new knowledge—about and beyond the prototype itself—that can be translated into theoretical findings. These roles are evolving with the availability and integration of advanced technologies and the development of design discipline that is broadening and finalizing fields of research, methodology, and tools. The study had some limitations given to the time and extent of the investigation and other starting options on the approach. Nevertheless, during the research, we also came across some interesting extra insights, aside from the central topic of our discourse, that are worth mentioning and considering for further development.