Page 109 - The Design Thinking Playbook

1.9 How to create a Define

good prototype Understand Observe point of Ideate Prototype Test
view

Prototyping is an important element of design thinking. It encourages How does our first prototype come into being?
us to test functions and solutions in reality, in conjunction with the
desire to learn from users how to improve an offer on an ongoing In general, ideas are based on many different assumptions. The task is to question these assumptions and
basis. For this to succeed, all those involved in the process must confirm them in the real world by testing, or to discard them—that is, disprove them with a counterexam-
keep an open mind so an idea can be changed or discarded. What ple on the basis of observations and an experiment. During the prototyping process, prototypes are further
is crucial here is the willingness to make radical changes. With a developed and tested in a number of iterations until a usable offer emerges. Ideally, we begin with enough
prototype, an idea is brought into a form that allows potential users insights from trend and market research and a solid understanding of the needs and challenges of our
to experience and evaluate it. At the outset, the prototype must be potential customers or users.
only good enough to make the relevant basic features of a future offer
comprehensible to a target audience. Prototyping makes it possible
to obtain quick and inexpensive targeted feedback from potential
customers and users. Example: Sensory mask
How might a sensory augmenta-
tion mask for an exhibition look? for an exhibition
What is the best way to build a prototype? Build an initial prototype!

Physical prototypes can be made from aluminum foil, paper, or Lego
bricks; in the case of services, they can be expressed in the form of a Perception filter 2
role play. Digital prototypes can be built, designed as videos, clickable Perception filter 1
presentations, or landing pages. Of course, the various types can be Cardboard, sticks, string, cups,
combined; for example, integrating a smartphone into a cardboard scissors, glue. . .
box so it works as a display and thus serves as the prototype for and we have a prototype
augmented reality glasses. that can be
discussed.

First principle:

An initial prototype is characterized by the fact that it can be made using the simplest available materials
and as quickly as possible. The simpler, faster, and cheaper we produce a prototype, the less it will hurt us
when we have to reject it. An initial prototype can be developed from cardboard, paper, plastic cups, string,
tape, and other materials and then assessed.
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