Step 5
How it Works Prototype
Collaborate effectively to construct a visual representation of an idea from your brainstorming session. Then, devise a brief marketing strategy to discover the solution. Lastly, provide an explanation of how the solution works three sequential steps or list three important features.
Group Size: 4-5
Materials Needed: Print How it Works, Pens, Markers and Post-its
Duration: 45-180 mins
How it Works Prototype
Create a visual representation of our idea like a logo, a landing page, video, 3D model or wireframes for a platform or an app. Once we create our visual representation then we can visualize where in the users timeline that solution should be introduced. Next, we can write a detailed description of how the solution works three sequential steps or highlight three features of that solution that help to solve the users problem.
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Generate as many ideas as possible.
Unleash the creativity of the design team.
Gain consensus on ideas through discussion and voting.
Develop variants to be explored later.
Prepare the team to work on a solution.
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Work in small groups of 4-6 team members and start with your digital story. Then, collaborate with your team to brainstorm a representation of your idea. Brainstorm marketing ideas, solution steps, and how it works.
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Step 1. Brainstorm with your team and create a visual representation of your idea. Create a low-fidelity website, a commercial, visual, 3d model. Our goal here is to expand upon the idea in a cost & time-effective way.
Step 2. Think more about where this product will exist in the market, how your user/ customer will discover your solution, and any marketing ideas to help your product stand out. Our goal here is to define the offer in a way that makes our product attractive to the user. Finally, think about how the user will learn of this solution and any steps the user needs to take to implement the solution.
Step 3. Create a detailed description of how your product works as if you were creating a website highlighting three significant components or features. This can be written in sequential order if possible, if not then highlight three features that differentiate this product from all others on the market.
Step 4. Compare your prototypes to other solutions on the market. Investigate how similar or adjacent companies are solving or attempting to solve the user problem. What makes your company different? What competitive advantage do you have, and how will you compete?
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Start with Low-Fidelity Prototypes: Begin with low-fidelity prototypes, such as sketches or wireframes, to quickly iterate and gather early feedback. Low-fidelity prototypes are cost-effective, easy to modify, and facilitate rapid ideation and exploration of different design possibilities.
Prioritize User-Centered Design: Keep the end-users at the center of your prototyping process. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. Regularly test your prototypes with real users and gather their feedback to iterate and improve the design based on their insights.
Simulate Interactions: Prototypes should allow users to interact and experience the design. Use interactive elements, clickable areas, or simulated functionality to provide a realistic user experience. This helps users better understand the design and provide more accurate feedback.
How to Create a Prototype
Creating a low-fidelity prototype is a simple and cost-effective way to visualize your ideas and gather feedback early in the design process. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a low-fidelity prototype:
Define your objectives: Clearly identify the purpose of your prototype and the specific aspects you want to test or validate.
Sketch the layout: Start by sketching the basic layout of your prototype on paper. Focus on capturing the main components, screens, and key interactions. Use simple shapes, lines, and labels to represent different elements.
Iterate and refine: Iterate on your initial sketches, refining the layout and adding more detail as needed. You can make multiple versions of your sketches to explore different ideas and options.
Use placeholders: Instead of creating detailed visuals, use placeholders to represent different elements such as text, images, buttons, or icons. For example, you can use handwritten notes for text content, simple rectangles for images, and basic shapes for buttons.
Add interaction cues: Use arrows, lines, or other visual cues to indicate how users can navigate through different screens or interact with the prototype. This helps in conveying the flow and interaction patterns.
Create a storyboard: If your prototype involves a series of screens or a user journey, create a storyboard to illustrate the sequence of interactions. This can provide a narrative context and aid in communicating the user experience.
Test and gather feedback: Share your low-fidelity prototype with users, stakeholders, or potential customers. Ask for their feedback and observations regarding usability, clarity, and overall experience. Take note of their insights to inform future iterations.