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How can you communicate a prototype's purpose in a design research study?

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Prototypes are essential tools for design research, as they allow you to test your assumptions, gather feedback, and iterate on your ideas. However, not all prototypes are created equal, and the way you communicate their purpose to your participants can make a big difference in the quality and validity of your results. In this article, you will learn how to define, explain, and demonstrate your prototype's purpose in a design research study, and avoid some common pitfalls that can undermine your findings.

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1 Define your prototype's purpose

Before you start your design research study, you need to have a clear and specific purpose for your prototype. What are you trying to learn from it? What are the key questions you want to answer? What are the assumptions you want to validate or invalidate? How will you measure the success or failure of your prototype? Having a well-defined purpose will help you design your prototype accordingly, and also communicate it to your participants effectively.

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Chris Wilburn

Crafting Distinctive Excellence: Transforming Spaces with Passion, Precision, and Unparalleled Expertise in Handmade Kitchens and Interiors.
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In steering a design research study, the prototype’s purpose is the linchpin. It’s not merely a step; it’s a meticulous definition of what you intend to unravel. What insights are you chasing, and what questions linger in the design’s shadows? Lay bare the assumptions awaiting validation or debunking. Scrutinize how success or failure will be etched. This purpose isn’t just a compass for your prototype; it’s a script for effective participant communication. A precise, purpose-driven prototype is the bridge between intent and understanding, anchoring your design research journey in a sea of clarity.

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2 Explain your prototype's purpose

When you have your prototype ready, you need to concisely explain its purpose to your participants. You don't want to overwhelm them with too much information or bias them with your own expectations, so provide just enough context for them to understand what they are testing. You can use various methods to explain the prototype's purpose, such as a brief introduction that summarizes the problem, the solution, and the goal of the test; a scenario or story that illustrates how the prototype would be used in a real situation; a question or challenge that invites participants to explore and find out how it works; or a demonstration or walkthrough that shows its main features and functionalities.

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3 Demonstrate your prototype's purpose

Once you've explained the purpose of your prototype, it's time to demonstrate it to your participants in an effective and captivating way. You don't want to just give them the prototype and let them figure it out, nor do you want to guide them step by step and tell them what to do. Instead, you should strive for a balance between giving them enough guidance and allowing them to explore the prototype on their own. When demonstrating your prototype's purpose, you can use various methods such as a live or recorded demo that displays how the prototype works, a hands-on or hands-off approach that lets participants interact with the prototype directly or indirectly, a think-aloud or silent mode that encourages participants to verbalize their thoughts or keep them to themselves, and a facilitator or moderator that supports the participants and asks questions during the test.

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Maria Ulashchenko

B.Sc. Architecture Student @ TU Berlin | Creator | 3D Modeling and Programming
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Certainly, effectively demonstrating the purpose of your prototype to participants demands a delicate equilibrium between guidance and exploration. Rather than simply handing them the prototype or spoon-feeding instructions, aim for a balanced approach. Various methods can illuminate the prototype's essence: opt for a live or recorded demo illustrating its functionality, allowing participants to witness its workings. Embrace a hands-on or hands-off tactic, empowering participants to interact directly or indirectly with the prototype. Encourage vocalization or maintain a silent mode, enabling participants to articulate their thoughts or maintain introspective.

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4 Avoid common pitfalls

When conducting a design research study, it is essential to clearly communicate the purpose of your prototype. However, there are some common mistakes to be aware of. For example, if you over-explain or under-explain the purpose of your prototype, participants may become confused or disinterested. Additionally, leading or influencing participants with your own opinions can bias the results. Furthermore, showing or hiding too much or too little of the prototype can shape participants' expectations or perceptions. Finally, assuming or ignoring prior knowledge and experience may also affect participants' understanding and feedback.

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5 Adapt to your prototype's type and fidelity

Finally, you need to remember that not all prototypes are the same, and the way you communicate their purpose may vary depending on their type and fidelity. For example, a paper prototype may require more explanation and demonstration than a digital prototype, as it may be less intuitive or realistic. Similarly, a low-fidelity prototype may require more clarification and guidance than a high-fidelity prototype, as it may be less polished or functional. You need to adapt your communication style and methods to suit your prototype's type and fidelity, and ensure that your participants get the most out of your test.

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6 Review and improve your communication

As a design researcher, it is essential to review and improve communication skills for conducting effective and meaningful tests. To do this, consider recording or transcribing explanations and demonstrations to analyze clarity, conciseness, and accuracy. Ask for feedback from participants, colleagues, or peers to identify areas for improvement or best practices. Test different communication methods and formats to gauge their impact on participant engagement, comprehension, and feedback. Additionally, learning from other design researchers can help you observe how they communicate prototype purpose in various contexts and situations.

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Maria Ulashchenko

B.Sc. Architecture Student @ TU Berlin | Creator | 3D Modeling and Programming
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Absolutely, refining communication skills as a design researcher is pivotal for conducting impactful tests. One effective strategy involves recording or transcribing explanations and demos to meticulously assess clarity, conciseness, and precision. Soliciting feedback from participants, colleagues, or peers becomes a compass, pinpointing areas for refinement and highlighting best practices. Experimenting with diverse communication methods and formats acts as a litmus test for participant engagement, comprehension, and feedback dynamics. Moreover, observing and learning from fellow design researchers unveils a trove of insights, showcasing diverse approaches to articulating prototype purpose across multifarious contexts.

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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?

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How can you communicate a prototype's purpose in a design research study?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Define your prototype's purpose

2 Explain your prototype's purpose

3 Demonstrate your prototype's purpose

4 Avoid common pitfalls

5 Adapt to your prototype's type and fidelity

6 Review and improve your communication

7 Here’s what else to consider

Design

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How can you communicate a prototype's purpose in a design research study?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define your prototype's purpose

2 Explain your prototype's purpose

3 Demonstrate your prototype's purpose

4 Avoid common pitfalls

5 Adapt to your prototype's type and fidelity

6 Review and improve your communication

7 Here’s what else to consider

Design

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