Which term describes the rapid production of functional prototypes using additive manufacturing?

• A. 3D printed mockups
• B. Rapid prototyping
• C. Makerspace
• D. Wizard of Oz testing

Answer: (B)

Rapid prototyping is about quickly turning a design into a working model, often using 3D printing and other additive processes. The core idea is speed and iteration: you can test how a part functions, find issues, and refine the design in short cycles. This makes prototypes functional rather than merely decorative, which is exactly what additive manufacturing enables. A makerspace is simply a collaborative workshop, Wizard of Oz testing is a usability method where the user believes the system is autonomous, and 3D printed mockups describe a physical model that may not be functional. So the rapid production of functional prototypes using additive manufacturing is rapid prototyping.