Develop phase

Prototyping

Create fast, low-cost tangible mock-ups to communicate and test features of your potential solution.

What it is

Prototypes are usually tangible mock-ups or models of your potential solution. They are fast to make and low cost.

To communicate / test features, size, style or components of an idea.

To share the vision or changed experience.

To simulate how your idea works in context, in the ‘real world’.

As a prop to role play and test how it works.

To help you think your idea through.

To reveal blind spots and biases.

Define the purpose of the prototype. What do you want to know? What do you want to test/discover?

Quickly build your prototype with suitable materials (Play-Doh, LEGO, paper etc.). Start with low fidelity, rough and ready prototypes.

Focus on building the parts of the concept which will answer the questions in Step 1.

Use your prototype for Concept testing.

Start by making, not discussing.

Give yourself a time limit e.g. 20 minutes for the first prototype.

Start with low fidelity prototypes when you start and move to high fidelity as you refine the design.

Pairs well with these other methods from the develop phase.

Define how your idea works, how it benefits the user, and how it solves the problem.

An iterative process of reviewing concepts with users, getting feedback, making changes and repeating.

Capture the end-to-end user experience of how your service, product or policy concept works.