Prototype

By creating a prototype, we are able to test the feasibility of our concept, specifically the hinge mechanism, but also test it in terms of usability and gather useful insights to be used in order to refine it thus improving the overall use experience. In our case we chose to create a mid-fidelity prototype of the laptop design that would allow us, and the case owner, to get a better understanding of the product and its ability to assist the user in the everyday scenario of using a laptop for work.

From Final Concept to Prototype

For the prototype itself, the dimensions are based on a 16-inch laptop, by gathering information from already existing products in the market that fit our design style and requirements. Our prototype, however, differs slightly from these dimensions due to the material selection for assembling it.

The main materials used for prototyping were 4 mm plywood sheets for the basic parts of the laptop such as the base and screen, and PLA plastic for the 3D printed hinge components. As a result, the prototype differs in height from the required dimensions of 1.68 cm to 2 cm. Although this difference might seem significant to the use comfort of the product, the aim of the prototype is to test the feasibility of the working principle of the hinge mechanism rather than the exact dimensions and looks.

To build the prototype, we split the design into several layers and parts. The base of the laptop is split into 3 layers of 4 mm plywood sheets glued together, while the screen compartment is split into 2 layers. The hinge system consists of 8 3D printed parts connected with 4mm bright drawn steel shafts cut into length, while the 3 parts of the hinge system are also screwed to the base of the laptop for improved durability. Finally, the keyboard, number pad and touch pad are attached to the base with glue.

Regarding the appearance of the prototype, we used two colours:

Grey to replicate the most common look of a laptop.
Red to fulfil the desire of the case owner to add an accent colour to make it more visually appealing.

The images below show some of the renders that were made to help visualize the prototype.

Want to view the workshop plan? Click the following link: Workshop Plan

The Prototype

Click on the following image(s) to enlarge them.

Besides pictures, we also made a video of the prototype in use, as can be seen below!

Interested in seeing the final concept in 3D yourself, use the following links to download the CAD model: PoseBook Prototype SolidWorks Model

Reflection on Prototype

While building the prototype we realized that the screen part of the laptop had become significantly shorter to accommodate the hinge mechanism, whilst keeping the initial requirement of designing based on a 16-inch laptop. The consequence of missing this detail initially is that it eliminates the desired outcome of adjusting the screen to a higher position, preferably to eye level. Nevertheless, the mechanism seemed to work perfectly fine.

So, we managed to design a prototype that fulfils the requirements of the product fitting in a 16-inch laptop case and having an adjustable screen height mechanism. Ultimately, it does not prevent the user from leaning the head forward to look at the screen. We do predict, however, that overall, they have to lean down less then with a normal laptop, because the screen part is still elevated due to the hinges.

The screen size and hinge length could be increased to achieve the higher screen position. This, however, would also mean that the bottom part of the laptop has to increase in size. Then, the screen part of the laptop could meet the 16-inch requirements, but the laptop as a whole would be a different size that would not fit in the standard 16-inch laptop bag. This dilemma will be discussed with the case owner in the co-testing session.

With the prototype done, we could evaluate it. This was done through a co-testing session with case owner and an evaluation against the list of requirements.