Prototypes

Prototypes and Production Rules

This thesis presents a system called CENTAUR, which demonstrates the effectiveness of representing prototypical knowledge in a combination of frames and production rules for performing computer consultations. Key knowledge representation and control structure problems in production rule systems similar to MYCIN are identified, and a set of important characteristics of the structures used for representing problem-solving knowledge is given. CENTAUR's frames, or prototypes, complement the production rules to satisfy these characteristics and represent expected patterns of data that permit a more focused, hypothesis-directed approach to problem solving. Among the characteristics identified as desirable in the representation structures are the ability to explicitly represent (a) prototypical cases, (b) the context in which knowledge is applied, and (c) the strategies for applying that knowledge. CENTAUR's prototypes consist of patterns of knowledge in the domain which serve as broad contexts, guiding the more detailed processing of the production rules. Strategies for the consultation, or control knowledge, are represented in the prototypes separately from other kinds of domain knowledge. This allows the domain expert to specify control knowledge that is specific to each prototype. Examples are presented which demonstrate how this explicit representation facilitates explanations of the system's reasoning. Further, the organization of knowledge in CENTAUR provides a useful framework for acquiring new knowledge.

PROTOTYPES OF RESTORATION WITS AND WOULD-BEES IN BEN JONSON'S REALISTIC COMEDY.

The Politics of Prototyping

A core aspect of design practice is the use of prototyping. Where most books explore how to make them, this book looks at how to use them, and bring them to life. It is aimed at designers or design managers, and also for anyone who is responsible for creating new products and services within their company or organisation. It helps situate prototyping as an effective way of working, shows how prototypes are used in current design practice, and how to get the best out of them with people inside the company and with users. Examples from some of the best designers around the world show why prototyping is critical to successful new product and service development.