The role of prototyping in ergonomic practice and research to anticipate new products and services

Abstract

This article argues for the dual role of prototyping in facilitating abductive thinking in research and practice within “Ergonomics” and “Design”. Moreover, this duality also pertains to the development of innovative commodities, as well as in the acquisition of new knowledge. Since PE investigates real-life scenarios the aim of the researcher is to understand the nature and complexity of the future state of the system. In this sense prototypes can be used as probes into that future state due to the fact that once implemented they unveil real interactions and transformations of the system. Based on the act of design as a critical inquiry in itself, prototypes and prototyping are then being more and more perceived as carriers of reflection and argumentation From a pedagogical perspective, prototyping exposes students to larger issues around creating and testing operational models of knowledge. Reversely, when being engaged in collaborative project with industry, prototyping can play an expanded as well as a more effective role in conceptualizing innovative solutions in an efficient manner.