What are some tools and techniques that you use for rapid prototyping for ILT?

1 Paper Prototypes

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to create and test your ILT prototypes is to use paper-based materials, such as sticky notes, index cards, flip charts, and sketches. Paper prototypes allow you to quickly generate and modify your ideas, without investing too much time and money in digital tools. You can use paper prototypes to outline your course structure, objectives, content, and interactions, and to solicit feedback from your stakeholders, subject matter experts, and learners. Paper prototypes are also useful for testing your course navigation, layout, and usability, as well as for conducting usability tests and focus groups.

2 PowerPoint Prototypes

Another common and accessible tool for rapid prototyping for ILT is PowerPoint, or any other presentation software. PowerPoint allows you to create and edit your course slides, animations, transitions, and multimedia elements, and to export them as PDFs, videos, or web pages. You can use PowerPoint to create mockups of your course visuals, audio, and video, and to demonstrate how your course will look and feel on different devices and platforms. You can also use PowerPoint to create interactive prototypes, by using hyperlinks, triggers, and action buttons, to simulate the learner's choices and feedback. PowerPoint prototypes are easy to share and review with your team and clients, and to collect comments and suggestions.

3 Online Prototyping Tools

If you want to create more advanced and realistic prototypes for your ILT courses, you can use online prototyping tools, such as Adobe XD, InVision, or Balsamiq. These tools allow you to create and edit high-fidelity prototypes, with rich graphics, animations, interactions, and functionalities. You can use online prototyping tools to create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes of your course screens, menus, buttons, icons, and pop-ups, and to test them on different browsers and devices. You can also use online prototyping tools to collaborate with your team and clients, by sharing your prototypes via links or QR codes, and by collecting feedback and annotations.

4 Learning Management System (LMS) Prototypes

Finally, you can use your learning management system (LMS), or any other online learning platform, to create and test your ILT prototypes. LMS prototypes allow you to upload and organize your course content, activities, and assessments, and to configure your course settings, such as enrollment, tracking, reporting, and communication. You can use LMS prototypes to create realistic scenarios of how your course will be delivered and managed online, and to test your course functionality, compatibility, and accessibility. You can also use LMS prototypes to pilot your course with a sample of learners, and to collect data and feedback on their performance and satisfaction.