Prototype to Innovate

Are you designing something? Perhaps a new app, new product or process? Have you built a prototype yet?

Prototyping is one of the best ways to test and idea and solicit feedback that will help you improve your design!

What is a prototype?

A prototype demonstrates the vision and purpose of your design. It’s built to solicit feedback, not to be your final product. Prototypes can range from written storyboards to cardboard boxes representing mobile apps. The key is to keep it simple but build enough to test the main features.

Build to test.

Don’t over complicate your design. Think about what you want to test most. Think about your design and what is different. Focus on the differences. Build the prototype to test the differences and see how your audience responds.

Get Feedback.

The entire point of building your prototype is to gather feedback, so think about who you are asking to test and make sure they’re relevant to your long term desired audience. When it comes to getting their feedback, interviews can be better than surveys.

Refine and redesign.

As you get feedback, tweak and redesign your prototype. Capture notes, pictures or video wherever possible.

How do I prototype?

You can prototype with just about anything. Using things laying around your house or office, will force you to get creative.

Here is a small list of tools we recommend:

1.     Cardboard

2.     Duct tape

3.     Pipe cleaners

4.     Legos

5.     Sticky notes

6.     Large rolls of paper

Building Storyboards?

A whiteboard and paper will work, but if you’re looking for a way to build, store and distribute check out: http://www.storyboardthat.com

Other Useful Prototype Products?

1.     Clay

2.     3D Printers: If you are in Baltimore, check out the Foundery they have 3D Printers you can use.

3.     Moldable plastic: https://www.amazon.com/InstaMorph-Moldable-Plastic-12-oz/dp/B003QKLJKQ/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1488033147&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=plastic+modable+pellets

Apps or Websites?

There are tons of great resources for mocking up websites and mobile apps. Some of these will allow you to build working apps that you can distribute for testing. Here are a few we like:

1.     Moqups https://moqups.com

2.     Canvas https://www.gocanvas.com/content/home

3.     Shoutem http://www.shoutem.com

Building Something Bigger?

If you’re in Baltimore, check out these places if you want to build something bigger or learn how to fabricate more complicated prototypes. Many cities have similar places, so look around and find one near you!

1.     The Foundery http://foundery.com

2.     Open Works http://www.openworksbmore.com