Final answer:
In hi-fi prototyping, mockups are detailed representations used to evaluate design aesthetics and functionality, which can be physical or virtual with modern CADD tools. Prototyping involves creating preliminary models to test design decisions and iterate based on feedback. The goal is to refine the design to meet all constraints and performance criteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of high-fidelity (hi-fi) prototyping, mockups are used to present design decisions in a highly detailed and realistic manner, facilitating the evaluation of aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. Initially, mockups may have been physical models to ensure components fit together properly, such as in the design process of the Boeing 777, where mockups were utilized before advanced Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) tools were employed. Nowadays, mockups can be virtual, created with sophisticated CADD software that simulates the physical system to reveal design flaws or to gain a better understanding of the design before physical implementation.
Prototyping involves creating preliminary models, whether physical or virtual, to test and refine the design. The process includes a trial working model to explore design decisions and identify potential problems. This approach allows designers to experiment with various modes and media, applying feedback from peer review to improve the prospective product. Prototyping can focus on a specific aspect of the design or comprehensively represent the whole system, depending on the stage of the design process and the design team's strategy.
The ultimate goal of creating prototypes is to test and evaluate if the design meets all constraints and performs acceptably per the criteria. By investing in this iterative process of prototyping, testing, and refining, designers can avoid costly errors in the final product and ensure a high-quality outcome.