What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn prototyping?

It can typically help to have some business management skills, such as brainstorming and business plan writing before starting to learn prototyping. This is because the ideas generally need to exist and be in at least the early stages before prototyping begins. It also typically helps to have computer skills, strong reading skills, communications skills, and good people skills. Additionally, graphic design skills can be useful for creating visual images of products so potential customers can see a realistic representation of the item that is being prototyped.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in prototyping?

People who are creative and analytical are typically best suited for roles in prototyping. This is because it generally takes creativity to develop new products, and then analytical skills can be applied to figure out ways to polish it and make it more user-friendly. People who enjoy a challenge can be well suited to this area because it can sometimes take multiple attempts to finally arrive at an end result that delivers a positive user experience. Additionally, people who are enthusiastic about using technology on a daily basis tend to be well suited for prototyping roles.

What are common career paths for someone in prototyping?

People who work in prototyping typically make either digital products or physical products. Some common job titles include prototype engineer, prototype scientist, and prototype technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary in the US for prototype specialists who worked in software development as of 2017 was $107,600. Prototype specialists also can typically find work in fields like graphic design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and industrial design.

What topics can I study that are related to prototyping?

Some topics you can study that are related to prototyping include UX design, research techniques, and low-fidelity prototyping techniques. Software prototyping techniques could also be explored. You could study technical writing to learn about ways to prepare a written design rationale. You could also study cultural attributes that affect ways to design for specific populations. Creativity and entrepreneurship are related topics you could study if you enjoy the idea of entering into your own business venture with the prototypes you develop. Additionally, you could study specific industries and how they relate to prototyping, such as aeronautics, game design, and metallurgy.

What are the benefits of taking an online Prototyping course?

Online Prototyping courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Prototyping skills. Choose from a wide range of Prototyping courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Prototyping courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Prototyping, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Prototyping Courses - Learn Prototyping Online

Explore the Prototyping Course Catalog

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The 3D Printing Revolution
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing and Production, Manufacturing Processes, Business Transformation, Industrial Design, Prototyping, Business Economics, Innovation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Programming for Designers
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Interactive Data Visualization, Software Design, Technical Design, Program Development, Data Structures, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Programming Principles, Computer Graphic Techniques, Python Programming, Graphic and Visual Design, Simulations, Computer Graphics, Computational Logic, Creative Design, Computer Programming, Data Import/Export, Algorithms, Scripting
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Arduino y algunas aplicaciones
Skills you'll gain: Automation, Internet Of Things, Prototyping, Hardware Design, Electronic Systems, Integrated Development Environments, Electronic Components, Embedded Systems, Software Development, Computer Programming, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
617 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidade de São Paulo
UX / UI: Fundamentos para o design de interface
Skills you'll gain: Usability Testing, Usability, Wireframing, Information Architecture, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, User Experience Design, Prototyping, User Research, Style Guides, Persona (User Experience), Design Elements And Principles, Cross Platform Development, Responsive Web Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
779 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
3D Modeling for 3D Printing and Laser Cutting on Fusion 360
Skills you'll gain: Design Software, Design, Technical Design, Functional Design, Software Installation, Prototyping, Creative Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Extended Reality for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Augmented Reality, Storyboarding, Virtual Reality, Usability Testing, Design Thinking, Prototyping, Interaction Design, Conceptual Design, User Centered Design, Usability, Human Centered Design, Cross Platform Development, Application Development, Wireframing, Ideation, User Experience, Emerging Technologies, Virtual Environment, Display Devices
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
546 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Epic Games
Epic Games Game Design
Skills you'll gain: Software Design Documents, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Prototyping, Visualization (Computer Graphics), User Interface (UI), User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, Technical Documentation, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Experience, Virtual Environment, User Interface (UI) Design, Version Control, Conceptual Design, Program Development, UI Components, Data Management, Scripting
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
257 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Irvine
iOS Development for Creative Entrepreneurs
Skills you'll gain: Swift Programming, Objective-C (Programming Language), iOS Development, Core Data (Software), Apple iOS, Apple Xcode, Model View Controller, JSON, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, OAuth, Responsive Web Design, Prototyping, Human Computer Interaction, UI/UX Strategy, Usability Testing, Authentications, Data Mapping, Mobile Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
709 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Google UX Design (PT)
Skills you'll gain: Adobe XD, User Experience Design, Usability Testing, Figma (Design Software), Responsive Web Design, Wireframing, Information Architecture, User Experience, Prototyping, UI/UX Research, Presentations, Design Reviews, User Story, Storyboarding, Mockups, Ideation, Software Documentation, Experience Design, User Research, Design Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Michigan State University
Game Design and Development with Unity 2020
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Software Design Documents, Peer Review, Cross Platform Development, Prototyping, User Interface (UI), User Interface (UI) Design, Software Design, C# (Programming Language), User Experience, Storytelling, Programming Principles, Program Development, Interaction Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Ideation, UI Components
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
604 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Olay
Introduction to Cosmetic Science and Ingredients
Skills you'll gain: Quality Control, Product Development, Packaging and Labeling, Quality Assurance and Control, Prototyping, Product Quality (QA/QC), New Product Development, Quality Assessment, Statistical Process Controls, Product Design, Research and Design, Product Testing, Verification And Validation, Health And Safety Standards, Personal Care, Safety Assurance, Good Manufacturing Practices, Record Keeping, Technical Documentation, Life Sciences
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
322 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
UX (User Experience) Capstone
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, User Experience, Design Research, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Design, User Centered Design, Human Centered Design, Technical Communication, Wireframing, Requirements Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months