How do you create prototypes in a lean startup?

1 What is a prototype?

A prototype is a simplified version of your product or service that allows you to test a specific hypothesis or feature with your target audience. It can be anything from a sketch, a mockup, a landing page, a video, or a working app. The main purpose of a prototype is to get feedback and validate your assumptions, not to showcase your final design or functionality.

2 Why prototype in a lean startup?

Prototyping in a lean startup is essential for several reasons. First, it helps you avoid wasting time and money on building something that nobody wants or needs. By testing your ideas early and often, you can learn what works and what doesn't, and pivot accordingly. Second, it helps you engage with your customers and involve them in the co-creation of your solution. By showing them your prototype, you can get their opinions, suggestions, and reactions, and build trust and loyalty. Third, it helps you iterate and improve your product or service faster and better. By incorporating the feedback and data from your prototypes, you can refine your value proposition, features, and user experience.

3 How to prototype in a lean startup?

The process of prototyping in a lean startup follows the build-measure-learn cycle, where you create a prototype, test it with your customers, and learn from the results. To begin, define your hypothesis - a clear and testable statement that describes your assumption and how you will measure its success. Then, choose the right prototype type for the hypothesis, resources, and stage of development. After building the prototype with the appropriate tools and methods, test it with target customers using interviews, surveys, usability tests, or experiments. Finally, analyze the data and feedback from the test to validate or invalidate your assumption. Learn from this information about customers, products, or markets to inform future steps.

4 Tips and tools for prototyping in a lean startup

Making your prototyping process more effective and efficient can be achieved by following some tips and tools. Start with low-fidelity prototypes to test the big picture and main concepts, then increase the fidelity as you learn more. Choose the right tools for the job that match your prototype type, skills, and budget. It is important to test with real customers in real scenarios, so use platforms like UserTesting, Validately, or Respondent to find and recruit customers. Additionally, avoid testing in artificial or controlled environments; instead, test in their natural settings such as their homes, workplaces, or public spaces. Above all else, don't get attached to your prototypes; be open to feedback and criticism and be ready to change or discard them based on data and insights. With these tips and tools in mind, you can create prototypes that are effective, feasible, and scalable; thus helping you build products or services that your customers love.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?