What are the best practices for selecting EdTech prototyping tools?

1 Define your prototype's purpose

The first step to selecting an EdTech prototyping tool is to define the purpose of your prototype. What are you trying to achieve with your prototype? What problem are you trying to solve or what opportunity are you trying to explore? How will you measure the success of your prototype? These questions will help you determine the scope, features, and fidelity of your prototype, as well as the level of feedback and validation you need from your users and stakeholders.

2 Consider your target audience

The second step to selecting an EdTech prototyping tool is to consider your target audience. Who are the learners, educators, or administrators who will use your EdTech product? What are their needs, preferences, and expectations? How familiar are they with technology and digital learning? How will they access and interact with your prototype? These questions will help you choose a prototyping tool that matches the characteristics, behaviors, and contexts of your target audience.

3 Evaluate your resources and constraints

The third step to selecting an EdTech prototyping tool is to evaluate your resources and constraints. How much time, money, and expertise do you have to create and test your prototype? What are the technical requirements and limitations of your project? How flexible and scalable is your prototyping tool? These questions will help you choose a prototyping tool that fits your budget, schedule, and skills, as well as the complexity and functionality of your EdTech product.

4 Compare different prototyping tools

The fourth step to selecting an EdTech prototyping tool is to compare different prototyping tools based on your criteria. There are many prototyping tools available in the market, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and features. Some examples are Adobe XD, Figma, InVision, Sketch, and Balsamiq. You can use online reviews, ratings, demos, and trials to compare and contrast different prototyping tools and see how they suit your needs and preferences.

5 Test and refine your prototype

The fifth step to selecting an EdTech prototyping tool is to test and refine your prototype using your chosen tool. You can use various methods and techniques to test your prototype, such as usability testing, user interviews, surveys, analytics, and feedback loops. You can also use different tools and platforms to share your prototype with your users and stakeholders, such as web browsers, mobile devices, or learning management systems. You can then use the insights and feedback you gather to improve and iterate on your prototype until you achieve your desired outcomes.

6 Learn and improve your prototyping skills

The sixth step to selecting an EdTech prototyping tool is to learn and improve your prototyping skills. Prototyping is a skill that can be learned and developed over time, and the more you practice, the better you will become. You can use online courses, tutorials, blogs, podcasts, and communities to learn more about prototyping and how to use different tools effectively. You can also seek feedback, guidance, and support from other EdTech prototyping experts and enthusiasts, and join collaborative projects and challenges to enhance your prototyping skills and portfolio.

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?