Prototyping simulates an experience​ with the intent to answer a specific question so that the creator can learn the way forward, iterate, and improve the experience. In the context of design thinking it is important to be able to experience abstract ideas, have the same understanding within the team and test the idea with potential users to gather feedback.

Start with the idea

Prototyping starts with the idea of the product and not the other way around. It is a crucial step to solve problems and to drive innovation. It involves creating tangible representations of ideas and concepts to test and gather feedback from users to figure out what works – and what does not work.

The desire of Design Thinking is to develop user-centred​ & purposeful concepts that have a working business model. Design Thinking can be used for human-centred design, service design, UX design, strategy & business design and much more. Prototyping is a core part of it.

 

Prototyping Process

Here are some useful tips and steps to follow for successful prototyping:

1 Define the problem: Identify the problem or challenge you are trying to address with the prototype. The usage of a Problem Statement Canvas or “How might we” questions are helpful to define the exact problem and set a clear direction for the prototyping process.

2 Generate ideas: Brainstorm and ideate potential solutions to the problem. Encourage creativity and explore various possibilities. Evaluate the generated ideas and select one or more concepts that seem most promising and aligned with the problem statement.

3 Create a low-fidelity prototype: As a creator, you need to find the right balance between decreasing the uncertainty in an early stage and the effort to spend (time, budget, etc.). Therefore, it is important to start with the creation of a rough, low-fidelity prototype that captures the basic functionalities and features of the selected concept.

This can be done using simple materials, e.g. paper, cardboard or digital tools such as wireframing software. The usage of model making methods like Lego, kneading, handicrafts to get the first low-fidelity prototypes are also very helpful approaches.

The advantage of creating low fidelity products is that it takes only a few hours​ and it can be tested with multiple alternatives​. In addition, it allows designers and users to work together and easily change the design as well as adjust different elements during testing.

4 Test and gather feedback: Share the low-fidelity prototype with potential users or stakeholders and gather their feedback. This feedback will help identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Testing is for learning, not selling. It is about finding ways to improve your idea.

5 Iterate and refine: Based on the feedback you receive, iterate your way forward and make necessary adjustments and refinements to the prototype. This may involve adding or removing features, improving usability or addressing any identified issues.

6 Create a high-fidelity prototype: Once the low-fidelity prototype has been refined, create a more detailed and realistic high-fidelity prototype. This prototype should closely resemble the final product or solution, incorporating visual design, interactive elements and functionalities (e.g. click-dummy, first functionalities or already a final branded and fully developed prototype).

7 Test again: Test the high-fidelity prototype with users or stakeholders to gather further feedback and validate the design. This step helps to ensure that the prototype meets the needs and expectations of the intended users.

8 Iterate and refine again: Based on the feedback you received when testing the high-fidelity prototype, make any necessary refinements or modifications. Repeat this iteration process until the prototype meets the desired objectives and user requirements.

 

Can GenAI tools support and accelerate the process?

The answer is YES, and this can be fast. You will be surprised how well you can merge human and artificial intelligence to create a prototype and to accelerate the process.

It is crucial to determine what you want to achieve with the prototype and which features or functionalities you want to include. Use GenAI to generate design ideas based on your requirements. You can input specific design elements or styles you want to incorporate and GenAI will generate multiple design options for you to choose from.

 

From Vision to Method

GenAI supports text prompts, images, videos, interfaces and business models in seconds. To find a suitable tool depends on the goals you want to achieve. Currently there are many great GenAI tools in the market, the following tools are definitely recommended for a lot of use cases:

– ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to analyse data, generate responses and provide assistance with context-aware interactions.

– Invideo.io to turn ideas into videos (e.g. for short promo videos).

– supercharged.work to create a Business Model Canvas, Lean Canvas or SWOT analysis.

 

Tech-powered, human-led

To sum up, prototyping helps us learn and iterate the way forward to fully developed products in Design Thinking.

Failures are inevitable and testing the prototype is the best way to gather feedback and to revise the prototype. As a result, it reduces uncertainties along the process, leading to cost and time efficiency. On top of that, the usage of GenAI can help to accelerate the process dramatically and provides valuable assistance throughout the Design Thinking process.

However, GenAI should never stand alone here. It is imperative to combine GenAI with human creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration to achieve the best results.

 

Author:
Markus Kittenberger