Just like demos, which guide how or what needs to be added to make the final original song good, Prototyping guides you to make better decisions when designing.

Now, let’s sit back and think about this topic…

What is a prototype? Prototyping? What is that?

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I’ll explain now.

Prototype is the practicalization of your idea, design, or whatsoever your idea might be. It’s the reality of your product.

Just like when you apply as a chef in that restaurant you love so much, you are asked to bring in samples of what you can cook for the team to make better decisions if it fits the needs of their customers and management.

Your food samples are your prototype for your users to test whether it meets their needs. Yep, that’s it.

Let’s get deeper into this topic for a bit.

Prototyping is like the creative playground of innovation, where ideas don their playclothes and get a chance to run wild before they grow up into full-fledged products. It’s all about taking a sneak peek into the future but in a hands-on, trial-and-error kind of way.

I’ll list a few examples below:

1. Software Shenanigans: Ever heard of a rough draft for software? It’s like creating a “beta” version of an app or website. Imagine you’re designing a game app. Instead of building the complete game, you whip up a mini-version to see if the gameplay is as awesome as you imagined. Just like a game before the game!

2. Product Playground: In product design, prototyping is where sketches and concepts turn into 3D fun. Suppose you’re inventing a futuristic chair. You don’t just scribble on paper; you build a real, funky chair to see if it’s comfy and cool. It’s like making art you can sit on!

3. Hardware Hijinks: Hardware prototyping is where gadgets and gizmos come to life before hitting the shelves. Let’s say you’re engineering a new robot. You don’t jump straight to the final model. First, you tinker with wires and circuits to see if it can dance. It’s rehearsals before the main show.

4. UX Undercover: In user experience (UX) design, prototyping is all about creating interactive sneak peeks of websites and apps. Imagine you’re designing a website. Instead of just sketching it out, you make a clickable demo to see if it fits all the factors you list out. It’s like a preview where users can test-drive your website.

5. Tangible Testing: In manufacturing, prototyping is where real-world objects come into play, ensuring they’re ready for prime time. Like if you’re making a super cool toy, you don’t just draw it on paper. You 3D-print a mini-version to make sure it’s fun and safe. It’s like toy tryouts!

Prototyping isn’t just for pros; it’s a fantastic playground for anyone with a wild idea. It’s where creativity and innovation meet hands-on experimentation. So, grab your crayons, circuits, or modeling clay, and let’s turn those wild ideas into playful, dynamic possibilities!

References:

• Cooper, A., Reimann, R., & Cronin, D. (2007). About Face 3: The Essentials of Interaction Design.

Thank you and see you in the next post.