In Module 7, we will learn how to design and build a prototype of the shortlisted solution using physical / virtual prototyping resources & tools. We will also learn how to get users to use & test our prototype.  In addition, we will learn how to gather feedback from users for improving the prototype.

Overview:  Once we have shortlisted the most promising solution-alternative for prototyping, it is time to build it.  The first step in building the prototype is to design it.  A design is nothing but a plan, sketch, list of resource materials, or specification of the prototype we wish to build.  The design will help us give shape to the prototype before it is actually built.  The design shows how the prototype will look and how it will work when finally built.  Designing (before building) will ensure that precious prototyping resources, time and effort are not wasted in building the prototype.

Tools: To design the prototype, we sketch it on paper; create a thermocol or cardboard model; create a diagram using Powerpoint or Google Slides; create a 3D model using a 3D modeling tool; create a video-illustration using a video capture & editing tool; or create an animated illustration using an animation creation tool.  If our prototype is a mobile app or a software application, we can design the screens using a wireframing tool.

Example:  In the chalk-dust example, we select vacuum-duster for prototyping.  To design the vacuum-duster prototype:

1. We first identify the various resource materials required for building the prototype and make a list using the Prototyping Resource Materials Chart.

2. We sketch the design of the vacuum-duster on paper and then use 3D design tool to create a design illustrating the prototype from various angles.  This makes it very easy to build a prototype based on the detailed design.

Exercise: Use any of the many prototype design tools and techniques to come up with a design for your prototype.

Overview:  Once the prototype design is ready, it is time to build it.  To build the prototype, we need to decide whether to build a physical prototype or a virtual prototype.  We then build it.  We may even have to build multiple versions of the prototype till it satisfactorily meets the needs of users or performs as expected.  

Tools: We can use prototyping resources materials available in the ATL (or at home) to build a physical prototype.  To build a virtual prototype, we can use any online prototyping tools.  We can even have our prototype 3D printed provided we have access to a 3D Printer in the ATL (or elsewhere).  Before we can 3D print the prototype, we need to create a 3D model of the same.

Example:  In the chalk-dust example, we decided to build a physical prototype of the vacuum-duster.  Using the prototyping resource materials at our disposal, we built three versions of the vacuum-duster prototype.  Each subsequent version of the prototype is more effective than the previous one.  

Exercise: Build your physical prototype using a 3D Printer or other prototyping resource materials available in your ATL (or at home).  Alternately, use online prototyping tools to build a virtual prototype of your innovative solution.

Tool: User Test Plan is a tool that helps us plan the prototype-testing activity before beginning the test with end-users.  The Test Plan captures information such as number of prototypes to be tested, number of people who will use the prototype, objective of the testing activity among others.  Planning the user-test ensures that testing is conducted effectively to generate rich feedback for improvement of the prototype.

User Test Report is used to record details of the actual test-run with end-users.  It helps us to know where, when and how the tests were conducted, who were involved in testing the prototypes, whether the tests were successful or not, etc.

Example:  In the chalk-dust example, we create a User Test Plan to plan our testing activity with end-users.  We then give the vacuum-duster prototype to a few teachers and ask them to use it in their classroom for a few weeks.  Finally, we record the results of the testing activity in User Test Report.

Exercise: Use the User Test Plan to plan your prototype-testing activity.  Give your prototype to a few users and ask them to use it.  Once they test your prototype, record the results of the testing-activity in the User Test Report. 

Example:  In the chalk-dust example, we use the User Feedback Form to gather and record responses from users about their experiences of using the vacuum-duster prototype.

Exercise: Gather feedback about your physical or virtual prototype from users and record the same in a User Feedback Form.

1. Design the prototype of the most promising solution identified in Activity #5 using Prototype Design Tools.

2. Implement the prototype of the most promising solution identified in Activity #5 using Prototype Development Resources & Tools.

3. Create a Test Plan to test the solution prototype you have built.  

4. Test the solution prototype with end-users and document the test results using Test Run Report template.

5. Gather feedback from end-users and document the same using User Feedback Form.

Please complete ANY ONE of the following two challenges: