Prototyping tips
A physical representation of your concept allows for real-world, hands-on experimentation, and can reveal insights that may be missed in digital simulations
Quick tips on creating physical prototypes
Start with a clear goal:
o Before you start your prototype, ensure you clearly understand what problem you are trying to solve and what you want to achieve with your prototype.
o A simple sketch: Draw a basic sketch of your idea on paper or a whiteboard to clearly visualise what you want to create.
Keep it physical:
o Physical prototypes can help you quickly test your ideas and see how they will look in real life.
Focus on the key features:
o When creating your prototype, identify and prioritise the core features that make your idea unique. Don’t worry about small details at this stage.
Use basic materials:
o Choose readily available and easy-to-work materials, such as cardboard, foam board, paper and markers, to create your prototype. This will help you quickly iterate and refine your prototype without getting bogged down by complex materials or tools.
Use simple tools:
o Use simple tools like paper, pencils, or sticky notes to sketch your ideas quickly.
o You can also use digital tools such as Sketch or Figma, but only use tools that are easy to use and don’t require extensive training.
Keep it simple:
o Avoid complex designs and intricate details in your prototypes. The goal is to showcase your idea quickly and effectively.
o Keep your designs simple, clear, and easy to understand.
o This way, you can showcase your idea, get feedback, and make changes quickly.
Use placeholders:
o Instead of spending time perfecting details, use placeholders such as text boxes, shapes, or arrows to indicate what the final product will look like.
Use images and graphics:
o Incorporate images and graphics into your prototype to help illustrate your idea and make it more visually appealing.
Avoid perfecting the design:
o Your low-fidelity prototypes should not be perfect or have many details but should be rough and simple.
Get feedback:
o Ask for feedback on your prototype to see what others think and to gather suggestions for improvement. This can help you make the necessary adjustments before creating a higher-fidelity prototype.
o Test your prototype to get feedback and ensure you are on the right track. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and make necessary changes.:
o First, test it with people close to you, such as friends, family, and classmates, to get early feedback on your idea.
o When you have fixed the most prominent issues, test with potential users
o When conducting testing, use storytelling to bring your prototype to life and help people understand your idea.
Iterate quickly:
o Low-fidelity prototypes should be quick and easy to change, so don’t hesitate to iterate on your design as you get feedback.
Don’t be afraid to throw it away:
o Low-fidelity prototypes are meant to be disposable, so don’t be afraid to throw one away and start over if it isn’t working out.
o The goal is quickly getting to a working solution, not creating a perfect prototype.
Use digital tools:
o Digital prototypes are a good alternative if a physical prototype isn’t a viable option.
o There are many digital tools that you can use to quickly create low-fidelity prototypes, such as Sketch, InVision, and Figma.