Prototype Assessment

Introduction

This is a template for documenting the lessons learned in a prototype build.

Design Phase

• Describe the steps taken in the design process. What went well in the design phase? What could have been done better?
• Were there steps that should have been taken but were missing? Were there steps that were taken that should have been omitted? Explain.
• What review/quality assessment steps were taken throughout the design phase?
• What lessons were learned regarding the design after the machine was built?
• Describe what the ideal design process should look like.

Build Preparation

• Describe the steps taken to prepare for the build.
• Were you satisfied with the build preparation phase?
• What were the issues that were encountered? How were they resolved?
• Were the fabrication procedures satisfactory? What improvements could be made?
• Discuss how you would like the ideal fabrication procedures/drawings to look like.
• Describe how the ideal build preparation phase should look.
• Discuss any inventory/supplies that were difficult to acquire, and how this could be facilitated.
• Were there missing parts that were not accounted for until they were needed in a certain build step?

Build Phase

• What worked as planned regarding the build? What didn't work as planned?
• Describe the build sequence. Were you happy with the sequence? What could have been improved about the sequence?
• Were people utilized effectively throughout the build? How could they have been used more effectively?
• What quality control steps were taken throughout the build to assure build quality?
• What were the main build steps taken and what was their sequence?
• How many person hours should each of the above steps take? How many person hours did each step take in practice?
• Quantify the consumables used throughout the build.

Quality Assessment and Performance Data

• Please perform a Quality Control Assessment.
• What corrective measures were taken to address quality control issues?
• Please document the Performance Data and Settings.
• Was the performance data satisfactory? What improvements should be made?

General

• Did you see any safety violations throughout the build?
• Were there any accidents? If so, how could they have been avoided?
• Describe your general level of satisfaction with the overall design/build and the resulting quality of the product.
• How was morale throughout the build?
• Were any conflicts encountered throughout the design/build? How were these resolved?
• What are the lessons learned for improving future builds?
• Was there any tool breakage? How could it have been avoided?
• Any other comments or pressing issues not covered in this assessment?