What is completed during Step 5 of the Engineering Design Process?

Step 5 of the Engineering Design Process is primarily focused on creating a prototype. This step is crucial because it involves translating theoretical designs and concepts into a tangible model or working version of the product. The prototype serves various purposes, such as testing the design’s functionality, evaluating whether it meets the initial criteria and objectives, and identifying any potential issues that need to be addressed.

Building a prototype allows engineers and designers to gather real-world data about how their product performs under practical conditions, thereby providing insights that lead to further improvements or refinements. Prototyping is an iterative part of the design process, enabling designers to experiment and innovate based on concrete feedback, which is essential for developing a successful final product.