Smart Prototyping is a new concept that allows designers greater accessibility to the physical and virtual prototyping domains. A 'smart' prototype has the ability to 'know' its own shape and then use this information to build a computer-based model of itself. By directly linking these two prototyping domains, the advantages of each can be integrated to give a richer source of design information. Smart Prototyping has the potential to create a whole new paradigm in prototype design and use, revolutionising the way designers work and interact with the virtual world.

This introductory seminar will discuss the current progress in developing the Smart Prototyping concept. I will begin by considering the advantages of working with physical and virtual prototypes, and how this leads to the concept that an enhanced link between the two offers a range of benefits for the designer. The seminar focuses on the question of how can we build a smart prototyping tool, and then addresses the main software and hardware issues that impact upon determining the technical feasibility of the system.