Tool 43 – Download here
| Aim of the tool Quickly and cheaply make ideas tangible so they can be tested and evaluated by others. When to use it? |
What is Prototyping?
At the convergence stage of a MSP, the focus is on creating a shared understanding, and a common sense that progress is being made towards solutions. A lot of ideas and options are circulating that need specification and testing.
Prototyping tools make it possible to generate insight into the pros and cons of each idea before a lot of time, energy and resources are invested in making the proposal picture perfect. They offer an option to quickly experiment and get feedback on the essential elements of a proposed idea earlier in the process.
According to IDEO, prototyping has three main elements:
- Build to think: creating a solution so that it can be communicated to others and making the idea better.
- Rough, rapid, right: Prototypes do not need to be perfect, it is about learning fast by creating a quick and cheap way of experimenting.
- Answering questions: It is essential to identify which question you want to answer with a prototyping tool.
If you like to take advantage of prototyping, facilitators can fall back on a wide variety of prototyping tools. Groups can, among others, build models, create storyboards, do a role play, or make a diagram to show their ideas to others.
Whatever the tool you select, it is crucial that participants experience a sense of play: trying things out, without fear of failing, while being curious for feedback on how things can be improved.
Example: how to use a storyboard in a MSP
A storyboard is basically a simple sketch that quickly visualizes a process or idea. This could be a product or service that the MSP plans to develop and offer. It serves as a brainstorming tool to transform ideas into a presentable (linear) format. The process of visualization can help in thinking the idea through. A comic book format is often used for this process.
If you use the storyboard as a way to quickly test some ideas, the group can be divided into several smaller teams, which each work on their own storyboard.
A facilitator informs the group about the basic elements of a storyboard and makes sure all participants understand that the drawings do not need to be detailed or beautiful in order to present a clear message. Once the storyboards are made, the facilitator organizes a plenary feedback session.
Materials needed: pen, paper or drawing board
Time: about 60 minutes
Storyboard instructions for the assigned teams:
- Determine which key elements of your idea you want to visualize.
- Take 30-45 minutes to visualize the story in a comic book format.
- Present the storyboard to the group and ask for feedback.
Example of a storyboard by Design Studio Ux:
Learn more
IDEO (2015). The field guide for human-centred design. 1st edition. Available for download at http://www.designkit.org/resources/1/
IDEO (2013). Human-centred design toolkit. 2nd edition. Available for download at http://www.ideo.com/images/uploads/hcd_toolkit/IDEO_HCD_ToolKit.pdf (UPLOAD)
MSP Guide 