How can you determine the right level of functionality for a prototype?

Defining the purpose of the product is the most important thing. It’s like first deciding where you want to build your house before you actually build your house. Without a clear understanding of what your product should be, who it should address and so on, it is easy to flip flop along the way of what the product should be. And after years of effort, you would create either a “me too” or worse, a mediocre replica. Having a purpose also builds a sense of mission and belonging to the product team. It binds the people together, attract the right people who are convinced by the same mission. Then the chance of success is higher.

Every prototype starts with a definition of the desired function of the device. My early prototyping experience was in developing flow models for perfusion cannula. My goal was to develop an arterial cannula that had a low pressure drop and no outlet jetting that provided antegrade flow vs. the traditional designs that provided retrograde flow with significant jetting that caused vascular disruption. Prototyping this flow design required developing many models with different outlet port configurations. To put it simply, I punched a lot of holes in a lot of tubes. The result was a cannula with the desired flow and a patent.

A) Would a prospect buy the prototype? If not, would they co-invest NRE in it? B) Does the prototype hit the 80/20 rule or get to 70/30? C) For a true invention, does the prototype have a WOW factor that makes prospects or investors excited? I’ve always made it mandatory to have a marquis account onboard before starting a full blown prototype (unless it is a simple solution). Why waste money if the idea floats like a lead balloon?

Choosing the right level of functionality can be a real brain-twister. You want to create something valuable and informative, but you don't want to waste time and resources on unnecessary features. I think the secret lies in understanding the purpose of your prototype. What are you trying to achieve with it? Are you trying to validate a new idea, test a specific feature, or get feedback on the overall user experience? What hypothesis do you want to validate? Once you've nailed down your purpose, you can start thinking about the level of functionality you need. I think it is important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The right level of functionality will vary depending on your specific need or project.

This is the most important question to answer. By definition, a prototype is *NOT* a product release, not even an MVP. The functionality to show must be driven by what you and your organization want to learn from the effort. Early prototypes should focus on uncovering "unknowns" and risks for the product. It is useful to look at risks in: 1. Market Risk: Will the market value the functionality. 2. Technology Risk: Are there "magic boxes" in our technology that we need to validate. 3. Organizational Risk: What does our team or organization need to learn or implement to bring the product to the market. Do we need new skills?, staffing ratios? Channels? ... Later prototypes may focus on A/B design alternatives, validating hypothesis, etc.

Simplicity is your prototype's best friend. To solve for simplicity, start by asking yourself WHY you are building a prototype, and what success will look like. Too often, the scope of the prototype explodes past what is useful. In general, you want to figure out what the minimal scope is to accomplish your objectives. Don't default to thinking you need what looks like a fully functional application to accomplish anything. Start simple and only increase the scope if it is truly necessary.

The right fidelity could be categorized by the ease of concept. The more complex the idea, service, or solution you are trying to convey, the better your prototype needs to be. This is to reduce the barrier of understanding and to get quick buy in or to at least start the conversation of iteration. The right fidelity should also coincide with what the market is used to. Meaning, that if car models are usually in clay, if you are going to deviate from that you should at least have a back up in the event that your audience doesn't get the out of the box approach.

Fidelity choice in prototyping is a strategic decision that ties closely with project goals. For early-stage concepts, opting for low-fidelity brings agility, quick iterations, and cost-effectiveness. It's the compass for navigating uncertainties and validating assumptions swiftly. Conversely, high-fidelity prototypes, while resource-intensive, shine in user testing, offering a realistic simulation of the final product. This meticulous approach is pivotal for refining intricate design elements and showcasing functionalities effectively. Balancing fidelity aligns with project phases, ensuring efficiency without compromising on precision.

Progressive disclosure is a UX gem, ensuring a smooth user journey. Begin with essential features to provide a clean, intuitive interface. As users engage, gradually unveil additional layers of complexity through tooltips or pop-ups. This method fosters comprehension without overwhelming users, making the learning curve gentle. It's not just about hiding details; it's a thoughtful orchestration, revealing intricacies precisely when users are ready. Embracing this principle transforms your prototype into an interactive guide, enhancing user understanding and overall satisfaction.

??One of the reasons for prototype is that see what you can transfer from your theoretical perspective information to reality. If you can see your ideas in physical form then you can see how you proceed.

My best products were always modified from customer feedback in the prototype phase. You can build a great functional product but if nobody buys it, is it great?

Feedback is the lifeblood of successful prototyping. Early and frequent engagement with users, stakeholders, and peers ensures a continuous refinement process. Genuine user testing in real-world scenarios uncovers valuable insights into preferences, pain points, and usage patterns. Embrace feedback not as criticism but as a catalyst for improvement. Iteration is the key—efficiently weaving suggestions into the prototype's fabric. It's a dynamic dance of adding, modifying, or removing features to sculpt the prototype into its most functional and user-friendly form. This iterative approach transforms feedback into a driving force, propelling your prototype towards its optimal state.

Prototyping is a creative and iterative process that can help you develop better products. By understanding your purpose, choosing the right fidelity, applying the principle of progressive disclosure, and seeking feedback and iterating, you can determine the right level of functionality for your prototype.

I would add that it all begins with an idea, an assumption, and a sketch. Then progress through the process based on the questions or problems you are trying to solve for as a team. We tend to move too quickly towards fidelity and speed with outcomes that ultimately skip the necessary journey.

Define the essential features that need validation or testing. Prioritize functionalities that address critical user needs, potential risks, or uncertainties. Aim for a balance between demonstrating core functionality and avoiding unnecessary details. Iterate based on feedback to refine and enhance the prototype progressively.

Determining the appropriate level of functionality for a prototype hinges on concentrating solely on the fundamental user issue it aims to solve. Beyond addressing this core problem, it's crucial to pinpoint additional ideas and features that could elevate the overall experience. However, these should be outlined rather than fully developed, allowing observers to vividly imagine and grasp the essence of the final product.

To determine the right level of functionality to build into your prototype, understand the problem your product solves along with any associated requirements and constraints. Allow your prototype to prove out your designs. Let these factors guide your prototype development. Effective prototyping isn't about sacrificing functionality; it's about testing your final solution in a budget-friendly way. Choose affordable materials like wood, paper, or lightweight metals that imitate the end product. Use various prototypes to solve design challenges, giving you space to adapt and experiment without straining your budget. Resist the urge to skip the prototyping phase; it may just be the most critical part of your design process.

It involves identifying the key features and functionalities that need to be included in the prototype to effectively demonstrate the concept or validate the design. Careful analysis of user requirements, market research, and feedback from stakeholders can help prioritize and define the necessary functionality while balancing time, cost, and technical feasibility.