How do you test and learn from product prototypes?

1 Define your objectives

The first step is to define your objectives for testing your product prototype. What are the key questions you want to answer? Who are the target users or customers you want to reach? What are the success criteria or metrics you want to measure? By clarifying your objectives, you can focus your testing efforts and avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant or ambiguous aspects.

2 Choose your methods

The next step is to choose your methods for testing your product prototype. Depending on your objectives, resources, and context, there are many options available. User testing involves observing how real or potential users interact with your prototype and asking them questions about their experience, needs, and preferences. Expert review is another option, where you can get feedback from experts or specialists in your field or domain. A/B testing is a useful method for comparing two or more versions of your prototype with different features or elements, and measuring how they perform against your success criteria or metrics. Lastly, a survey can help you gain insights by asking a large number of people to answer questions or rate your prototype based on their opinions or perceptions.

3 Prepare your materials

The third step in preparing to test your product prototype is to gather the necessary materials. This could be a low-fidelity or high-fidelity prototype, depending on the desired level of detail and functionality. Additionally, you should create a script that outlines how you will conduct the testing session, and gather any tools or equipment you will need such as a camera, microphone, screen recorder, or online platform. With these materials in hand, you are ready to begin testing your product prototype.

4 Conduct your testing

The fourth step is to conduct your testing of your product prototype. This involves recruiting participants who represent your target market or segment, setting up a comfortable, safe, and suitable environment for the testing session, and running the session with respect, attentiveness, and flexibility. It's important to avoid leading or influencing your participants while collecting data and feedback from them.

5 Analyze your results

The fifth step in product prototype testing is to analyze your results. This involves organizing your data by sorting, labeling, and categorizing it, and then identifying insights from the patterns, themes, or trends found in the data and feedback. Finally, you must communicate your findings to your team, stakeholders, or audience using clear and compelling formats such as charts, graphs, or stories.

6 Iterate your prototype

The sixth and final step is to iterate your prototype based on your results and insights from testing. This process involves evaluating the prototype to assess how well it meets objectives and success criteria, as well as identifying its strengths and weaknesses. Next, prioritize the improvements that need to be made based on their impact and feasibility. Finally, update the prototype by making the necessary changes or modifications, and prepare it for the next round of testing and learning.

7 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?