Design prototypes

Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.

draft prototypes
conceive prototypes
construct prototypes
work out the structure of prototypes
designing prototypes
create prototypes
create preproduction models
develop prototypes

skill/competence

cross-sector

Design prototypes is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Medical device engineer: Medical device engineers design and develop medical-technical systems, installations, and equipment such as pacemakers, MRI scanners, and X-ray machines. They monitor the whole manufacturing process from concept design to product implementation. activities undertaken include, among others, designing product improvements, developing methods and techniques to evaluate design suitability, coordinating initial production, developing test procedures, and designing manufacturing diagrams.
Product development manager: Product development managers coordinate the development of new products from beginning to end. They receive briefings and start envisioning the new product considering design, technical and cost criteria. They conduct research on market needs and create prototypes of new products for untapped market opportunities. Product development managers also improve and boost technological quality.
Electromechanical drafter: Electromechanical drafters draw and create blueprints together with electromechanical engineers. They interpret the specifications and requirements made by the engineer and design electromechanical equipment and components.
Electromagnetic engineer: Electromagnetic engineers design and develop electromagnetic systems, devices, and components, such as electromagnets in loudspeakers, electromagnetic locks, conducting magnets in MRI’s, and magnets in electric motors.
Electrical drafter: Electrical drafters support engineers in the design and conceptualisation of electrical equipment. They draft, with the support of specialised software, the specifications of a varied number of electrical systems such as voltage transformers, power plants, or energy supply in buildings.
Sensor engineer: Sensor engineers design and develop sensors, sensor systems and products that are equipped with sensors. They plan and monitor the manufacture of these products.
Graphic designer: Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.
Electromechanical engineer: Electromechanical engineers design and develop equipment and machinery that use both electrical and mechanical technology. They make draughts and prepare documents detailing the material requisitions, the assembly process and other technical specifications. Electromechanical engineers also test and evaluate the prototypes. They oversee the manufacturing process.
Microsystem engineer: Microsystem engineers research, design, develop, and supervise the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which can be integrated in mechanical, optical, acoustic, and electronic products.
Industrial tool design engineer: Industrial tool design engineers design various industrial tools in accordance with customer needs, manufacturing requirements, and building specifications. They test the designs, look for solutions to any problems, and oversee production.
Microelectronics engineer: Microelectronics engineers design, develop, and supervise the production of small electronic devices and components such as micro-processors and integrated circuits.
Computer hardware engineer: Computer hardware engineers design and develop computer hardware systems and components, such as circuit boards, modems, and printers. They draught blueprints and assembly drawings, develop and test the prototypes, and supervise the production process.
Mechatronics engineer: Mechatronics engineers design and develop intelligent systems, such as robotic devices, smart home appliances, and aeroplanes, through combining technologies from mechanical, electronic, computer, and control engineering. They create blueprints or design documents for parts, assemblies or finished products using software programs, and also oversee and manage projects.
Automation engineer: Automation engineers research, design, and develop applications and systems for the automation of the production process. They implement technology and reduce, whenever applicable, human input to reach the full potential of industrial robotics. Automation engineers oversee the process and ensure all systems run safely and smoothly.
Electronics drafter: Electronics drafters support electronic engineers in the design and conceptualisation of electronic equipment. They draft blueprints and assembly diagrams of electronic systems and components using technical drawing software.

Design prototypes is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Biomedical engineer: Biomedical engineers combine knowledge of engineering principles and biological findings for the development of medical treatments, medicaments, and general healthcare purposes. They can develop solutions ranging from the improvement of the components in conventional medicaments up to implants developments, and tissue treatment.
Equipment engineer: Equipment engineers design and maintain the machinery and equipment in manufacturing facilities. They design machinery that adjusts to the manufacturing requirements and processes. Moreover, they envision the maintenance of the machines and equipment for uninterrupted functioning.

Ergonomist: Ergonomists analyse the design of equipment, furniture, and systems in order to improve it toward safer, healthier, and more efficient ones. They strive to improve the interaction of people with equipment and the environment.
Automotive designer: Automotive designers create model designs in 2D or 3D and prepare isometric drawings and graphics. They also conduct research collecting data about (new) materials, market trends and production processes.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning engineer: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning engineers design and develop heating, ventilation, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration systems for usage in residences, manufacturing sites, offices, commercial buildings, etc. They strive for solutions that serve the needs of clients and respond to architectural restrictions of sites.
Metal furniture machine operator: Metal furniture machine operators use machines and power tools to cut, shape and join metal pieces in order to produce metal furniture ranging from office furnishings to outdoors fittings. They use different types of metal such as aluminium, iron and stainless steel, and different types of processes such as metal forming and casting. They polish, apply protective layers and, in some cases, decorative finishes to the metal pieces. They assemble and join the elements to obtain the final product.
Satellite engineer: Satellite engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of satellite systems and satellite programmes. They may also develop software programs, collect and research data, and test the satellite systems. Satellite engineers can also develop systems to command and control satellites. They monitor satellites for issues and report on the behaviour of the satellite in orbit.
Rotating equipment engineer: Rotating equipment engineers develop designs and specifications for rotating equipment according to any applicable standards. They also provide technical expertise and help ensure that all new and existing equipment installations are completed.
Model maker: Model makers create three-dimensional scale models or various designs or concepts and for various purposes, such as models of human skeletons or organs. They also mount the models on display stands so that they can be used for their final purpose such as inclusion in education activities.
Materials engineer: Materials engineers research and design new or improved materials for a diverse number of applications. They analyse the composition of materials, conduct experiments, and develop new materials for industry-specific use that can range from rubber, to textiles, glass, metals, and chemicals. They advise companies in damage assessments, quality assurance of materials, and recycling of materials.
3D printing technician: 3D Printing technicians assist in the designing and programming of products, ranging from prosthetic products to 3D miniatures. They may also provide 3D printing maintenance, check 3D renders for customers and run 3D printing tests. 3D printing technicians can also repair, maintain and clean 3D printers.
Electronics engineer: Electronic engineers research, design, and develop electronic systems such as circuits, semiconductor devices, and equipment that use electricity as a source of power. They work with capacitators, transistors, diodes or resistors to create electronic circuits and applications of use in fields such as telecommunications, acoustics, instruments, and control.
Agricultural engineer: Agricultural engineers intervene in a variety of matters within the agriculture field in combination with engineering concepts. They design and develop machinery and equipment for an efficient and sustainable exploitation of the land. They advise on the use of resources in agricultural sites comprising the usage of water and soil, harvesting methods, and waste management.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Robotics engineer: Robotics engineers design and develop robotic devices and applications in combination with mechanical engineering principles. They use pre-established designs and current developments for improving or inventing systems, machinery and equipment. They combine several knowledge fields such as computing, engineering, and electronics in the development of new engineering applications.
Military engineer: Military engineers perform technical and scientific functions in the military, such as the development of concepts for military technical equipment, support of the manufacturing of military equipment, and technical research, maintenance, and quality assurance.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Naval architect: Naval architects design, build, maintain and repair all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines. They analyse floating structures and take various features into account for their designs such as the form, structure, stability, resistance, access and propulsion of hulls.
Design engineer: Design engineers develop new conceptual and detailed designs. They create the look for these concepts or products and the systems used to make them. Design engineers work with engineers and marketers to enhance the functioning and efficiency of existing devices.
Tooling engineer: Tooling engineers design new tools for manufacturing equipment. They prepare tooling quotation requests. They estimate costs and delivery time, manage tooling construction follow-up and supervise the routine maintenance of tools. They also analyse data to determine the cause of major tooling difficulties and develop recommendations and action plans for solutions.
Rolling stock engineer: Rolling stock engineers design and oversee the manufacturing process and installation of rail vehicles, including locomotives, carriages, wagons and multiple units. They design new trains and electrical or mechanical parts, supervise modifications and resolve technical problems. They also perform routine maintenance duties to ensure that trains are in good condition and meet quality and safety standards.
Fluid power engineer: Fluid power engineers supervise the assembly, installation, maintenance, and testing of fluid power equipment in accordance with specified manufacturing processes. They create designs with schematics and assembly models, make drawings and bills of materials for components, and analyse equipment.
Plastic furniture machine operator: Plastic furniture machine operators tend plastic processing machines that produce pieces such as plastic chairs and tables. They inspect each resulting product, detect abnormalities and remove inadequate pieces. In some cases, they may assemble different plastic parts to obtain the final product.
Electrical engineer: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, electrical equipment, components, motors, and equipment with the feature of energy transmission. They engage in large scale projects such as the design and maintenance of power stations, and the distribution of power to smaller applications such as household appliances.
Automotive engineer: Automotive engineers design and oversee the manufacturing process and operation of motor vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses and their respective engineering systems. They design new vehicles or mechanical parts, supervise modifications and resolve technical problems. They make sure the designs comply with cost specifications and other constraints. They also conduct research studying environmental, energy and safety aspects.
Printed circuit board designer: Printed circuit board designers diagram and design the construction of circuit boards. They envision the logical placing of conductive tracks, coppers, and pin pads in the board. They use computer programmes and specialised software for the designs.
Container equipment design engineer: Container equipment design engineers design equipment to contain products or liquids, according to set specifications, such as boilers or pressure vessels. They test the designs, look for solutions to any problems and oversee production.
Wicker furniture maker: Wicker furniture makers choose and prepare materials such as softened rattan or willow branches in order to produce wicker furniture such as chairs, tables and couches. They use hand, power or machine tools to cut, bend and weave materials to create the desired objects. Finally, they treat the surface to ensure a finished look and protect it from corrosion and fire using waxes, lacquers and other coatings.
Nanoengineer: Nanoengineers combine the scientific knowledge of atomic and molecular particles with engineering principles for applications in a varied array of fields. They apply findings in chemistry, biology, and materials engineering, etc. They use technological knowledge for the improvement of existing applications or the creation of micro objects.
Upholsterer: Upholsterers provide objects such as furniture, panels, orthopaedic devices, fixtures or vehicle parts with padding or soft covering. They can install, repair or replace the upholstery of objects with materials such as fabrics, leather, suede or cotton. Upholsterers install the webbings and springs necessary to cover the material.
Precision engineer: Precision engineers design processes, machines, fixtures and other equipment that have exceptionally low engineering tolerances, are repeatable and stable over time. They ensure prototypes are built and tested and make sure the designs meet system specifications and operational requirements.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.
Agricultural equipment design engineer: Agricultural equipment design engineers apply knowledge of engineering and biological science to solve various agricultural problems such as soil and water conservation and the processing of agricultural products. They design agricultural structures, machinery, equipment and processes.
Industrial designer: Industrial designers work out ideas and develop them into designs and concepts for a wide variety of manufactured products. They integrate creativity, aesthetics, production feasibility, and market relevance in the design of new products.
Thermal engineer: Thermal engineers design systems which provide heating or cooling, using thermodynamics, that transfer heat or energy through liquids and gases. They also construct these systems, and perform test to ensure proper functionality.
Marine engineer: Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
Furniture upholsterer: Furniture upholsterers provide furniture with padding, springs, webbing and covers. Sometimes they have to remove old padding, filling and broken strings before to replace them using tools such as a tack puller, chisel or mallet. The aim is to provide comfort and beauty to seats as backs of the furniture.
Aerospace engineer: Aerospace engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of flight vehicles such as aircrafts, missiles, and spacecrafts. The field of engineering they are active in, can be divided into two branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.
Instrumentation engineer: Instrumentation engineers envision and design equipment used in manufacturing processes for controlling and monitoring various engineering processes remotely. They design equipment for the monitoring of production sites such as manufacturing systems, machinery uses and production processes.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.
Bioengineer: Bioengineers combine state of the art findings in the field of biology with engineering logics in order to develop solutions aimed at improving the well-being of society. They can develop improvement systems for natural resource conservation, agriculture, food production, genetic modification, and economic use.
Integrated circuit design engineer: Integrated circuit design engineers design the layout for integrated circuits according to electronics engineering principles. They use software to create design schematics and diagrams.
Application engineer: Application engineers deal with the technical requirements, management, and design for the development of various engineering applications, such as systems, new product designs, or the improvements of processes. They are responsible for the implementation of a design or process improvement, they offer technical support for products, answer questions about the technical functionality and assist the sales team.

References

1. Design prototypes – ESCO