How Prototyping Helps You Reach Your Goals?
Prototyping is a key part of any strategic design methodology. Why is this so and how can it help you to succeed?
A prototype is a scaled-down materialization of an idea or product that you can test and experiment on to confirm if it will work (i.e. to validate it). Through the prototyping and validation process, businesses and innovators can figure out whether or not their ideas work or if they need to make adjustments.
In other words, prototyping and validation helps you to find your way and reach your goals!
Prototypes come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes: simple paper posters, 3D printing, service role plays, teaser videos, fully functional and interactive digital prototypes, etc. There’s no limit to the different forms and variations they can appear as.
Here are five benefits of prototyping and validation that help you to accomplish more:
1. Quick and efficient
As mentioned above, prototypes come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. Although some may take longer than others to develop, many prototypes can actually be produced in a short timeframe (as little as a few hours). They translate complex designs into a physical manifestation quickly and precisely, so that you can move on to testing and validation.
2. Low cost
Prototypes can be built at very low costs. They also reveal errors and flaws in the early stages, which can potentially save you a lot of money in the long-term.
3. Testing
Testing prototypes provides solid evidence that either validates or invalidates it. Extensive testing reduces risks and helps you focus your time, energy and money on things that will work. It reveals flaws and weaknesses in the design or concept of the prototype, giving you the chance to identify what isn't working and how you can either eliminate it or provide a solution.
Prototype testing on real users also gives you the chance to see your product in action! It's first-hand insight into how users interact with and react to your product or idea.
4. Trial and error
Since prototypes can be produced quickly and at low cost, you can test multiple versions and variations of prototypes to see what works best. It gives you the freedom to explore and experiment with different kinds of elements, such as materials and features, to find the best option.
You can produce multiple prototypes to test whether solutions to flaws and problems identified in a previous prototype effectively resolve the issue. Experimenting with the trial and error of multiple prototypes allows you to perfect features and make sure your product is of optimal quality, which ensures a higher success rate.
5. Smart investments
Testing prototypes reveals, sooner rather than later, whether a product will serve its intended purpose. By analysing the results from prototype testing, you have a higher chance of investing in a successful product that will satisfy market demands. This increases the rate of innovative success and ensures that you invest money smartly and efficiently.
With prototypes, you can refine and validate your design or product quickly and at low cost. By testing prototypes and experimenting on variations of them through trial and error, you will increase your chances of creating the right product for your goals. They also provide the additional benefit of helping you to invest money smartly. At the end of the day, prototypes help you to accomplish more and increase your chances of success.
