In Chapter 11, we introduce the key notion of prototyping. While appearing in a linear order within the book, prototyping is more of an underpinning to design-led innovation than a specific step. You make so you can learn. As such, it can easily be done while developing an Innovation Intent, or while working out a component of detail design.
We introduce five kinds of prototypes, which lend to different kinds of learning:
1. Conceptual prototypes
2. Behavioral prototypes
3. Functional prototypes
4. Appearance prototypes
5. Experience prototypes
These different flavors of prototypes can be used separately, or can be combined to test multiple aspects of a concept. Regardless, the goal is to build the most rough, yet most tangible, form possible–specifically keying in on an area of interest–so that you can really engage your team and outsiders in a more robust context of use.
What seems to be working
- Prototyping is important, so the chapter is essential.
- We like (the beginning of) the prototype typology we laid out.
Areas that need more work or input
- 9 pages(!!!) isn’t nearly long enough to cover the breadth we should. We need to expand this chapter significantly and provide examples for each kind of prototype.
- We mentioned video prototyping in a sidebar, but now our undergraduate students are using it liberally. Clearly, we need to include it as one of the “primary” methods. What other kinds of prototyping should be included? What are your picks for the best books on prototyping?
- Visual thinking is sort of a kind of prototyping, by a different name. Is it worth maybe introducing it within a sidebar?