Technological modelling is the testing of design ideas to see if they can contribute to a fit-for-purpose technological outcome. There are two types of technological modelling:
- Functional modelling is the ongoing testing of design concepts
- Prototyping is the realisation of a fully functioning model
Taken together, the two types of modelling provide evidence of factors that may impact on, and consequences that may result from, the development of a technological outcome.
Technological modelling involves two kinds of reasoning:
- Functional reasoning – how to make it happen, how it is happening
- Practical reasoning – should we make it happen? should it be happening?