How do you prototype your solution and get feedback from users and stakeholders?

Many people misunderstand prototypes. The goal is learning about what your customers want, what you can actually produce, and/or how a feature or good might test. Prototypes are not pilot run samples (used to validate production methods) nor are they mock ups (used to visualize or imagine what something might look like).

- Quick Insights: With prototypes, you instantly get a tangible representation of your idea, allowing immediate feedback. - Flexibility: Easily adjustable at this stage, they provide room for improvement. - Risk Reduction: Prototyping reduces the chances of major redesigns at later, more expensive stages.

One thing I had learned in taking a marketing class is that development teams often make the unfortunate mistake of following the philosophy of “Ready, Fire… Aim.” They may think they have a great idea for a product, develop and release the product at considerable expense, then realize too late that they missed their target. Creating a flexible prototype that is adaptable, forward-looking, and can evolve in different ways may involve extra work, but it will allow you to test market the product, allowing for changes based on user feedback, and the ability to keep up with evolving needs. Knowing your market should be of paramount importance.

- Cost-Efficient: Catches potential pitfalls before they become costly. - Engages Stakeholders: Provides a tangible vision, fostering clarity and trust among stakeholders. - Fuels Innovation: Encourages multiple iterations, fostering creativity and better solutions.

With the emergence of no- and low-code tools, the boundaries between a prototype and a working product have blurred substantially. Because these tools offer the ability to create a fully-functional application, it is often possible to begin immediately delivering value to customers when using them. That doesn't mean you should skip the prototyping stage, though. You should always iteratively develop your product to ensure you are addressing user challenges. No- and low-code tools simply let you do this more quickly and cheaply than full-code solutions.

- Goal Alignment: Always align your prototype's fidelity with your project's goals. - Tool Mastery: Familiarise yourself with the chosen tools for seamless creation. - User-Centricity: Always revert to user needs, ensuring their problems are the core focus.

- Clear Objectives: Define what you want to achieve from the feedback session. - Diverse Participants: Ensure a mix of user types for a comprehensive feedback range. - Constructive Environment: Create a comfortable space where users feel free to express genuine opinions.

- Prioritize Feedback: Not all feedback is equal; prioritize based on project goals. - Iterative Mindset: Be prepared to go through multiple versions—each one better than the last. - Document Changes: Keep a record of alterations made, ensuring transparency and traceability.