Iterative Prototypes as 'Boundary Objects': Facilitating Interdisciplinary Collaboration of a Modular Hearing Aid

This article investigates the use of iterative prototyping to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration in the design and development of an innovative self-fit modular hearing aid. The design process for the hearing aid generated over 200 iterative models, each of which was additive manufactured in plastic, polymer, plaster or metal. The team developed a system for understanding the contribution of prototypes by situating these as variously propositional, material, mechanical, experiential or behavioural. Throughout the design process the hearing aid prototypes operated as boundary objects at the intersection of disciplines. They assisted the interdisciplinary team to integrate their domain-specific knowledge and collaborate across boundaries. The paper argues that boundary objects are a helpful way to collaborate in innovative projects.