Objectives - Prototyping

Prototyping is the process of creating a simplified working model of a product or system. For prototyping in the IoT, it helps to have design, electrical, physical/mechanical skills (work with your hands to put things together), programming skills, and to understand how TCP/IP works. But you do not need to be an expert in any of these areas. In fact, prototyping helps you to refine these skills.

Because the IoT is still developing, there are still unknown tasks to discover. This is a great time to invent something that is part of the IoT. Because the IoT combines people, process, data, and things, there is no end to the inventions that the IoT can help create and then incorporate.

For news and ideas that are already being talked about in the IoT, click here.

( https://newsroom.cisco.com/internetofthings )

Prototyping is fully functional, but not fault-proof. Prototyping is an actual, working version of the product. Prototyping is used for performance evaluation and further improvement of product. Prototyping has a complete interior and exterior. Prototyping may be relatively expensive to produce. Prototyping in the IoT, is often used as a technology demonstrator.

Prototyping

• Is fully functional, but not fault-proof.
• Is an actual, working version of the product.
• Is used for performance evaluation and further improvement of product.
• Has a complete interior and exterior.
• May be relatively expensive to produce.
• In the loT, is often used as a technology demonstrator.

How to Prototype

How do you prototype? There are a few ways to get started. Click on

What IoT invention will you create?

Physical Materials

A good place to start is, of course, the Internet. People have exchanged ideas for ages, but the Internet allows for idea exchanges on a whole new level. People who have never physically met can now collaborate and work together. There are several web sites you can visit to connect with other makers.

Maker Media is a global platform for connecting makers with each other to exchange projects and ideas. The platform also provides a place where makers can find and buy products for their projects. For more information, go to Makezine at http://makezine.com.

It is helpful to have practical skills when working with certain materials; for example, wood and metal are common prototyping materials, but they may be too difficult for a beginner to use. You might be surprised with what you can do with plastic, clay, paper, and wires. Search Google for more information or ideas on how to work with the different prototyping materials.

LEGO Mindstorms has a large community of contributors and fans. With LEGO Mindstorms, you can create LEGO robots and control them using an application. The kits come with everything you need to make it work. Go to LEGO Mindstorms at http://mindstorms.lego.com.

Meccano, or Erector Set, is a model construction system that consists of reusable metal strips, plates, angle girders, wheels, axles, and gears, with nuts and bolts to connect the pieces. It lets you build working prototypes and mechanical devices. Go to Erector Set at www.erector.us.