Phase 4 Prototype

In the previous Ideate phase, a number of good ideas are selected that provide part of the solution to the target group’s challenge. In the prototype phase, you try out these ideas in a small-scale and low-threshold way. These are simple tests with the target group in which the prototype is tested via a dummy of, for example, paper, cardboard or lego or a clickable prototype.

The prototypes are often parts of the solution that are tested to find out what the user thinks of the solution, whether it works in practice and what the user’s behavior is.  In this phase, there is often a lot of feedback on what works and what does not. You then regularly have to go back to the define or ideate phase to sharpen the problem statement and adjust the ideas. Once the solutions have been tested and improved several times, you can move on to more advanced prototypes in the Testphase.

In this phase you can find 4  co-creation methods to prototype (in blue).

Co-creation methods to prototype

1. Paper Prototyping

Paper prototyping is mainly used to create and test interfaces in an accessible way. It allows you to quickly visualise basic concepts and test them with end users for potential usability issues. It is also a way to co-design with the target group. Paper prototyping together provides you with new design ideas that meet the needs of the target group.[1]

[1] Design Methods Finder – Paper Prototyping

2. Cardboard prototyping

Cardboard prototypes are a common low-fidelity method of simulating three-dimensional physical objects and environments. for example, the interior of a retail environment, a ticket machine, furniture, tools and smaller props. Prototypes are built quickly, usually from cheap paper and cardboard. Other equally user-friendly materials such as foam core, plasticine or duct tape often complement the mix of materials. The cardboard prototype helps to adapt the initial idea and explore its details, strengths and weaknesses.[1] There are many tutorails on the internet explaining how to make a cardboard prototype.[2]

[1] Stem Senior Engineering – Cardboard Prototyping

[2] Teleskola – Cardboard Modelling

3. Lego prototypes

Lego bricks are used to quickly assemble and customise a rough model of a physical product. Lego prototypes can be used to mimic the actual size and shape of a proposed physical product.  By building it with Lego, you can determine its dimensions. By letting your users build it themselves, you encourage them to experiment. People open their minds, become more relaxed in their interactions with each other and reveal more of what is beneath the surface.[1]

[1] Learning Loop – Lego Prototype

4. Clickable prototypes

A clickable prototype is an interactive representation of the interface design. It is not the final design or product. The person using a clickable prototype can perform all interactive actions, such as navigating through the interface. Clickable prototypes help test critical features. The prototype can be tested for user experience and changes can be proposed.[1]

[1] Educative – Clickable Prototype