Prototyping for Desirability by Design of Experiments: A Case Study of a Hardware Startup

This paper presents a study on how prototyping and ‘Design of Experiments’ principles can be applied in the early stages of product development. It is explored how four design parameters affect the perceived desirability of a physical alarm device, in development by a small start-up company. By utilizing recent advancements in the tools and platforms, available for the fabrication of prototypes, a range of physical prototypes are made. These prototypes are used to conduct 44 user tests and the results were used to establish a statistical model based on the Response Surface Methodology. The results of the model are outlined, highlighting the primary drivers of product desirability, as well as exemplifying the dynamics among the explored desirability parameters. The statistical model is tested through an experiment, which verifies the model’s ability to prescribe the perceived desirability for specific prototypes of the alarm device. The study hereby presents promising results for incorporating Design of Experiment principles in early stages of product development, and the authors encourage further studies to be conducted.