Combining simple and detailed models can really help engineering students design better projects at university, especially when using design thinking. Each type of model has its own benefits and is important in the design process.

Simple models, or low-fidelity prototypes, are a great starting point. They let students test out ideas without needing a lot of money or resources. These can be things like drawings, paper structures, or basic digital outlines. They make it easier for teams to brainstorm and change things quickly based on feedback. Here are some things that make low-fidelity prototypes helpful:

• Low Cost: They don't require many resources, which is perfect for students or budget-conscious projects.
• Quick to Make: Students can come up with ideas fast, which encourages them to experiment without worrying about being perfect.
• Early Feedback: These models let designers get early opinions from users and other people involved, which is really important in design thinking since it focuses on user experience.

However, simple models do have some downsides. They can't show complicated parts or look very nice. This can make it hard for stakeholders to picture the final product just from these basic models. That’s where detailed models, or high-fidelity prototypes, come in.

High-fidelity prototypes look more like the final product. They usually include working features and design elements that are similar to what will be built. Here are some advantages of using high-fidelity prototypes:

• Realistic Experience: They let users interact with a more realistic version of the product, giving clearer feedback.
• Function Testing: Engineers can check how things work, look for issues, and verify performance early in the design.
• Gaining Support: Showing high-fidelity prototypes can help convince stakeholders or investors because they give a clear picture of what the final product might be.

The real strength comes from using both simple and detailed prototypes together. By mixing these two methods, engineering students can take advantage of the good parts of each one while avoiding their downsides. This can lead to better design results in several ways:

1. Improving Designs: Starting with simple prototypes lets teams quickly share and develop ideas. Once the basic idea is approved, they can move to detailed prototypes to work on the specifics.

2. Better Communication: Simple prototypes help start discussions and get different viewpoints. After refining the idea, detailed prototypes provide a clearer way to explain complex ideas to people who may not have technical backgrounds.

3. User-Focused Design: Using simple prototypes to get early feedback from users makes sure that the design meets their needs. Later detailed prototypes can include this feedback for a better final product.

4. Avoiding Mistakes: By spotting issues in simple designs, teams can prevent costly errors during the detailed modeling stage or even after production. This way, they’re less likely to create a product that doesn’t meet users’ expectations.

5. Encouraging Creativity: Simple methods often lead to more imaginative ideas since they create a judgment-free zone for brainstorming. As teams gather insights, moving to detailed models helps them focus on the specifics while keeping that creative spark.

6. Structured Thinking: Using both methods fits well with design thinking, which emphasizes understanding others' needs, generating ideas, and testing them out. This organized approach helps students tackle difficult engineering problems.

Combining simple and detailed prototypes is very valuable for students in engineering programs. When students use both types, they learn:

• Critical Thinking: Switching between simple and detailed methods helps them think critically about their design choices.
• Teamwork: Working on projects boosts teamwork skills as students share tasks and ideas, which is essential in engineering.
• Hands-On Experience: Students learn to adjust their approaches based on feedback, which is a key skill for their future careers.

Educators can highlight how to use both types of prototypes in their lessons. By doing projects and hands-on activities, students can really understand these concepts. For example, a project might begin with brainstorming sessions using simple sketches, followed by testing those ideas. Based on the feedback, students can refine their best concepts into detailed prototypes, adding specific features and designs.

In conclusion, combining simple and detailed modeling is a powerful way to approach engineering design. It encourages creativity, efficiency, and focus on the user. This method helps students explore their ideas and fine-tune the details that bring those ideas to life. When they learn to balance both types, they enrich their learning and gain important skills for their future careers in engineering design. This approach not only improves engineering projects but also deepens their understanding of the design thinking process, preparing graduates for the challenges they'll face in their careers.