This paper describes the initial development of a computer based Rapid Prot
otyping Design Advice System. The system is intended to assist the designer
or project manager, particularly those in small and medium sized companies
, in planning the prototyping stage of product development. It provides the
user with an efficient and user friendly development aid which uses inform
ation obtained from the user and Computer Aided Design data to recommend su
itable rapid prototyping solutions.