Abstract:

When learning industrial design, it is essential to acquire skills that enable the construction of scale models and prototypes. These physical models, usually made in great detail, are a very important part of the product communication process, as they provide a series of tactile information that cannot be found in other types of representations, such as 2D sketches or 3D infographics presented in virtual reality, and can therefore contribute to forming a more complete opinion of the product they represent.
This paper presents a work methodology to facilitate the acquisition of skills related to the construction of scale models in the field of industrial design and presents the results of its application. This methodology proposes both classroom-based tasks (4 exercises to be carried out at the university facilities) and nonclassroom-based tasks (to be carried out at home) and describes in detail four rubrics that help students in two phases: in the initial phase (to choose the best concept for a new product and guide its development) and in the final or evaluation phase (to detect aspects of the scale model that can be improved).
This methodology was applied in a semestral subject of the final year of the Degree in Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering at the Universitat Jaume I (Castellón, Spain), and the results were satisfactory at several levels: 96.77% of the students managed to pass the subject, with a high average grade (7.58 points out of 10); the upward evolution of average grades related to the construction of the models revealed that the students were gaining knowledge throughout the course and improving their skills; 96.54% of the students were able to deliver their work within the established deadline, which confirms the suitability of the proposed work schedule; finally, in general terms, the students' self-assessment grades on their own work were very similar to those calculated by the teacher after applying the same rubric, confirming that the designed rubrics provide an objective grade and can be considered useful tools that can help students during self-learning.
Therefore, the methodology presented in this paper can be considered when designing a work plan for a subject with similar learning outcomes and with students with a similar background of knowledge related to industrial design.

Keywords:

Scale model, prototype, industrial design, rubrics.