AC 2010-1941: EFFECTS OF AN EARLY PROTOTYPING EXPERIENCE: CAN DESIGN FIXATION BE AVOIDED? Vince Walker, US Air Force Academy Daniel Jensen, United States Air Force Academy Kendra Crider, US Air Force Academy Jason Weaver, University of Texas, Austin Jason Weaver is a PhD candidate at The University of Texas at Austin, focusing on energy harvesting technologies, design methodologies and the characteristics of transformation. He previously received a MS in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University. Kristin Wood, University of Texas, Austin Dr Kristin Wood is the Cullen Trust Endowed Professor in Engineering and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Wood’s current research interests focus on product design, development, and evolution. The current and near-future objective of this research is to develop design strategies, representations, and languages that will result in more comprehensive design tools, innovative manufacturing techniques, and design teaching aids at the college, pre-college, and industrial levels. Michael Maixner, United States Air Force Academy © American Society for Engineering Education, 2010