Rapid Device Prototyping Course
This course helps you turn ideas into working devices in record time. You will learn the essential skills to design, build and validate functional prototypes with current tools and techniques, from concept to final presentation, combining CAD design, 3D printing, basic electronics and programming so you can test and improve your products iteratively and efficiently before investing in large-scale production.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Rapid Device Prototyping Course?
This short course takes you through the full cycle of rapid prototyping for physical, mechanical and electronic devices. You will study the difference between an idea, a concept, a mock-up, a functional prototype, a validation prototype and a pre-production version; the principles of iterative design; the stages from initial need to preliminary validation; how to define technical, dimensional, ergonomic and interaction requirements; ideation, sketching and basic digital modeling; prototyping technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, light CNC and modular electronics; materials from plastics and resins to light metals, foams and composites; workshop tools for cutting, joining, drilling and soldering; and the assembly, start-up and first tests of the prototype.
What sets this course apart: an agile approach that shortens product development and speeds up innovation; early validation of ideas with functional prototypes before committing to production; a multidisciplinary skill set that brings together design, electronics and programming; hands-on work with CAD software, 3D printers and microcontrollers; and a practical, project-based method that ends with the design, construction and testing of a device prototype for a real or simulated application.
Program highlights
- Iterative design: from idea and mock-up to functional and validation prototypes.
- Requirements and concept: functional, dimensional, ergonomic and interaction specifications.
- Prototyping technologies: 3D printing, laser cutting, light CNC and modular electronics.
- Materials and tools: plastics, resins, foams, composites, soldering and assembly.
- Build and test: assembly, start-up, error detection and iteration.
- Integrating project: a device prototype designed, built and validated for a real or simulated use.
Syllabus of the Rapid Device Prototyping Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of rapid prototyping, device development and iterative design methods for the early validation of solutions
- 1.1. The concept of rapid prototyping and its role in the development of physical, electronic, mechanical and functional devices
- 1.2. The differences between idea, concept, mock-up, functional prototype, validation prototype and pre-production version of a device
- 1.3. Principles of iterative design: trial, error, continuous improvement and reduction of technical and usage uncertainty
- 1.4. Stages in the development of a device from the initial need to the preliminary validation of how it works
- 1.5. The relationship between rapid prototyping, innovation, lower development costs and faster time to market
Conceptual design, initial modeling and definition of functional requirements for devices that can be prototyped
- 2.1. Identifying the problem or need behind the device and setting clear functional objectives
- 2.2. Defining the technical, dimensional, ergonomic, operational and interaction requirements of the device
- 2.3. Ideation and concept generation techniques for technical, industrial, medical or consumer devices
- 2.4. Sketching, schematics and initial representation of solutions to visualize architecture, components and expected operation
- 2.5. Introduction to basic digital modeling of parts and assemblies to prepare the device for physical prototyping
Rapid prototyping technologies, materials and tools for making functional and semi-functional devices
- 3.1. Main rapid prototyping technologies: 3D printing, laser cutting, light CNC, modular electronics and assisted manual fabrication
- 3.2. Choosing materials for prototypes: plastics, resins, light metals, foams, composites, technical board and hybrid materials
- 3.3. Workshop and lab tools for assembling and adjusting devices: cutting, joining, drilling, soldering and fastening
- 3.4. Integrating mechanical, electrical and electronic components into device prototypes of different levels of complexity
- 3.5. Criteria of precision, strength, manufacturing speed and cost when choosing the prototyping method
Building, assembling and starting up the prototype with a focus on functionality, fit and initial evaluation
- 4.1. Preparing the prototype manufacturing process: planning parts, assembly sequence and the resources needed
- 4.2. Making the device components with rapid techniques and criteria for dimensional control and basic repeatability
- 4.3. Structural and functional assembly of the prototype: joints, alignment, integration of modules and stability of the whole
- 4.4. Initial start-up of the device and checking the basic operation of the integrated mechanical, electrical or electronic systems
- 4.5. Identifying design errors, interferences, structural weaknesses and operating problems during the first tests
Integrating project: designing, making and validating a rapid device prototype for a real or simulated application
- 5.1. Definition of the case study: the problem to solve, type of device, target user and main function of the prototype
- 5.2. Development of the concept and specification of requirements: functionality, dimensions, materials, interaction and validation criteria
- 5.3. Preliminary design and modeling of the device: general architecture, parts, components and rapid manufacturing strategy
- 5.4. Manufacture and assembly of the prototype: choice of technologies, functional integration and basic quality control
- 5.5. Testing and analysis of the device's performance: operation, adjustments needed and opportunities for iterative improvement
Duration and format of the Rapid Device Prototyping Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Rapid Device Prototyping Course
Career opportunities after the Rapid Device Prototyping Course
Questions about the Rapid Device Prototyping Course
To create preliminary versions of a device quickly so that its design can be tested and refined before investing in production.
A mock-up shows the shape and size of a device, while a functional prototype actually works and can be tested for performance and use.
3D printing, laser cutting, light CNC, modular electronics and assisted manual fabrication, together with the materials and workshop tools used with them.
It is recommended but not required. The course explains how to choose the right method and budget for each prototype.
No. The methods apply to technical, industrial, medical and consumer devices, including equipment for the nautical sector.
You define a problem and target user, specify the requirements, design, build and assemble a device prototype and then test it and plan improvements.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of 60 hours each, fully online and at your own pace, with practical exercises, downloadable resources and online support.
More programs in Innovation and startups
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at entrepreneurs and startups, product designers and engineers, students and makers, R&D managers and innovation teams, and marketing and sales professionals who want to understand products better; basic knowledge of design, electronics or programming, or experience in product development or digital fabrication, is helpful, as is some familiarity with CAD tools, Arduino or Raspberry Pi and 3D printing slicers.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with design and simulation software and a high-speed internet connection; access to a 3D printer and a basic electronics kit is recommended but optional.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.