Digital Prototyping
Digital prototyping tools are increasingly used to virtually model and demonstrate key features during the product development process. STFC’s Development Team specialises in creating digital prototypes that bring complex technologies to life. Using advanced physics engines and modelling techniques, we visualise the behaviour and performance of real or conceptual systems in accurate, engaging ways.
Our digital prototypes are powerful communication tools, helping to explain complex ideas, demonstrate functionality, and engage audiences — whether showcasing new innovations or recreating scenarios that are difficult or impossible to demonstrate physically.
We design tailored digital environments to support each project, producing outputs ranging from imagery and video to immersive Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences for demonstration, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Benefits
Collaborative Digital Prototyping Expertise
STFC’s Digital Prototyping Developers bring extensive expertise in creating immersive and interactive experiences tailored to new technologies. Working in close collaboration with your team, they provide strategic guidance to develop digital prototypes that effectively communicate the unique features and value of your innovation. Through a collaborative approach, developers can interpret complex technical information, incorporate iterative design changes, and highlight specific product features throughout the prototyping process. This ensures that the final experience is both technically accurate and visually engaging, ideal for stakeholder engagement, investment pitches, and end-user demonstrations.
Immersive Digital Prototyping Powered by Advanced Technology
STFC’s Digital Prototyping Developers operate high-performance desktop workstations, Virtual Reality headsets, and use advanced 3D modelling software for asset creation. We also integrate 3D scanning to capture and replicate real world objects with high precision. These prototypes are developed using professional-grade physics engine capable of replicating real-world environments and demonstrating real-world functionality.
Flexible Output Options for Digital Prototyping
We design tailored digital environments to support each project, ensuring assets and experiences can be adapted for different formats and audiences.
Expertise
Knowledge Transfer
STFC’s Digital Prototyping Developers have delivered immersive experiences across a diverse portfolio of projects spanning the space, health tech, scientific technology, and heritage sectors. Working closely with SMEs, the team helps define appropriate project deliverables and experience outputs tailored to each innovation.
In addition to developing the digital prototype, STFC provides hands-on guidance and training in the use of Virtual Reality headsets and related equipment. This collaborative approach empowers companies to confidently invest in immersive technologies and effectively showcase their products to stakeholders, customers, and investors.
CAD Development
Digital prototyping begins with asset creation and 3D CAD alteration. STFC’s developers offer end-to-end support in CAD creation and preparation for immersive experiences, ensuring technical accuracy and visual impact throughout the process. Capabilities include:
- Reverse Engineering – Using high-precision laser scanning to generate accurate 3D models from existing artifacts
- 2D to 3D Conversion – Referencing technical drawings to create 3D CAD models
- Model Adaptation – Modifying existing CAD files to function within a physics engine
- CAD Creation from Documentation – Building 3D models based on technical specifications and photographic references
- 3D Animation – Simulating component functionality and movement
- Virtual Environment Design – Constructing realistic 3D environments using a professional physics engine
- Daylight Simulation – Recreating accurate lighting conditions to reflect real-world scenarios
- Model demonstration – Creating applicable interaction and information overlays.
Virtual Reality (VR)
PC-VR Headset: A tethered headset that requires a compatible gaming PC, offering high performance graphics through dual 1440 x 1600 RGB high resolution displays with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Room tracking is via external base stations; controllers include finger tracking and grip sensors for neutral gripping and squeezing. Sound can be added to the experience via off-ear speakers.
Standalone MR/VR Headset: Wireless headset that offers the convenience and portability of an experience loaded onto the device. Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, dual LCD panels with 2064 x 2208 resolution per eye and a 120Hz refresh rate. 6DOF motion tracking for precise spatial awareness. The device offers full colour passthrough with dual RGB cameras, 18 PPD (pixels per degree) enables high-quality augmented reality.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality experiences can be created and displayed using the Mixed Reality headset and on handheld devices such as tablets and phones. These can be an additional output to maximise impact of the digital prototype.
