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Early stage prototype is a basic version of a product or service that is created in the early stages to validate assumptions, test ideas, and gather feedback. These kind of prototyps are very basic and can be done even by pencil & paper.
Prototype creation in the context of innovation involves developing a tangible or digital representation of an idea, concept, or product in its early stages. It serves as a tool for testing and validating assumptions, gathering feedback, and refining the design before investing significant resources in full-scale production. Overall, prototyping is a valuable practice in the innovation process as it enables designers and innovators to learn, iterate, and refine their ideas based on real-world feedback. By rapidly creating and testing prototypes, the likelihood of developing successful and user-centered solutions is significantly enhanced.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Early stage prototypes are rough versions of a product or system, created to test ideas and gather feedback before full development. These prototypes focus on validating concepts quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Define the Objective
- Identify the key idea or problem you are trying to solve.
- Clarify what you want to learn from the prototype (e.g., user interaction, functionality, or design).
Step 2: Select the Prototype Type
- Choose the fidelity level:
- Low-fidelity prototypes (e.g., paper sketches, wireframes) focus on layout and basic interaction.
- High-fidelity prototypes (e.g., digital mockups or simple interactive models) simulate more realistic user experiences.
Step 3: Create a Simple Design
- Use basic tools like paper, PowerPoint, or wireframe software (e.g., Figma, Sketch) to build a simple version of the product.
- Focus on core features and avoid complex details that are not essential at this stage.
Step 4: Test with Real Users
- Present the prototype to a small group of users from your target audience.
- Ask users to perform specific tasks or interact with the prototype in a natural way.
- Gather feedback on usability, functionality, and overall experience.
Step 5: Iterate Based on Feedback
- Analyze the feedback and identify patterns or areas that need improvement.
- Refine the prototype to address the most critical issues before advancing to more detailed development.
Step 6: Document Key Insights
- Record what worked well and what didn’t.
- Use these insights to inform the next steps in product development or refine the prototype further.
Early-stage prototypes are an essential tool for quickly validating ideas with minimal investment, helping teams refine their direction before committing to full development.
Example:
FaceMash, created by Mark Zuckerberg in 2003, was the early prototype that eventually led to Facebook. FaceMash allowed Harvard students to compare photos of their peers side-by-side and vote on who was more attractive. Although it sparked controversy for using student photos without consent, it attracted significant attention. This initial success, despite its controversial nature, provided valuable insight into user engagement with social platforms. Zuckerberg later pivoted from this idea to create "TheFacebook," a social network for connecting students, which eventually evolved into Facebook.
For more information on the topic, please see the source below:
Eckert, R. (2014). Business model prototyping: Geschäftsmodellentwicklung im Hyperwettbewerb. Strategische Überlegenheit als Ziel (1st ed.). Springer Gabler Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-06108-1
#Features & requirements #Benefits & value
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