How do you prototype more efficiently?

1 Choose the right method

Not all prototyping methods are created equal. Depending on your project goals, constraints, and resources, you might want to use different methods to achieve different outcomes. For example, you might use sketching, paper models, or wireframes for low-fidelity prototyping, which is useful for exploring concepts, generating feedback, and communicating ideas. Or you might use 3D printing, CNC machining, or injection molding for high-fidelity prototyping, which is useful for testing functionality, performance, and usability. Choosing the right method for each stage of your prototyping process can help you avoid unnecessary steps, reduce waste, and speed up your development cycle.

2 Define your criteria

Before you start prototyping, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, what you want to test, and how you will measure your results. This will help you focus your prototyping efforts on the most important aspects of your design, and avoid getting distracted by irrelevant details or features. You should also define your criteria for success, failure, and improvement, so that you can evaluate your prototypes objectively and make informed decisions. By defining your criteria upfront, you can save time and resources by prototyping only what you need, and iterating only when necessary.

3 Involve your users

One of the main benefits of prototyping is that it allows you to involve your users in your design process, and get their feedback, opinions, and insights. This can help you validate your assumptions, identify problems, and discover opportunities for improvement. However, involving your users also requires careful planning and preparation, as you need to select the right users, ask the right questions, and observe the right behaviors. You also need to analyze and synthesize the data you collect, and translate it into actionable insights. By involving your users early and often in your prototyping process, you can ensure that your design meets their needs, expectations, and preferences.

4 Use the right tools

Another way to prototype more efficiently is to use the right tools for your prototyping method, your design objectives, and your user feedback. There are many tools available for industrial designers, ranging from traditional tools like pencils, scissors, and glue, to digital tools like software, apps, and sensors. Some tools are more suitable for certain prototyping methods than others, and some tools can help you automate, streamline, or enhance your prototyping process. For example, you might use a CAD software to create 3D models, a prototyping platform to simulate interactions, or a feedback tool to collect and organize user responses. By using the right tools for your prototyping needs, you can improve your productivity, accuracy, and quality.

5 Learn from your mistakes

Finally, prototyping is a learning process, and you should embrace your mistakes as opportunities for improvement. Prototyping is not about creating perfect solutions, but about testing hypotheses, finding flaws, and solving problems. Therefore, you should not be afraid to fail, but rather learn from your failures, and use them to inform your next steps. You should also document your prototyping process, and keep track of your results, feedback, and insights. This will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes, and improve your prototyping skills and knowledge over time.

6 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?