Module 5

Lesson 2: Build an Initial Prototype

Context:
This lesson focuses on the critical steps involved in building an
initial prototype, a key process for transforming startup ideas into
tangible forms. Prototyping is essential for testing and validating
concepts before committing significant resources. The lesson
covers the different fidelity levels of prototypes, methods for
creating prototypes for various types of products and services, and
the specific steps to follow when building prototypes. Additionally,
it outlines essential do's and don'ts to ensure prototypes effectively
validate ideas and guide startups toward successful product
development.
Program overview,
and your Venture Journey
over 14 weeks
 Concepts Covered in this Lesson:
Fidelity Levels of Prototype: Steps to take when building
● Fidelity levels of Prototype prototypes
● Prototypes for different ● Do’s and Don’ts: Prototypes
types of Products and and Validations
Services
● Samples of Prototypes

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Understand the different fidelity levels of prototypes and
choose the appropriate level for your needs.

2. Create prototypes for various types of products and

services, including software, physical products, and
services.

3. Follow a structured process to build effective prototypes.

4. Identify and use the right tools and materials for

prototyping.

Steps for you to take:

Identify Prototype Fidelity Level:
Determine the appropriate fidelity level for your prototype based
on your current development stage.

Create and Test a Prototype:

Build an initial prototype using the chosen fidelity level and test it
with users or stakeholders.
Fidelity Levels of Prototypes

Prototypes can vary in their level of detail and functionality, known

as fidelity. Understanding these different levels helps in choosing
the right type of prototype for various stages of product
development. The three main fidelity levels are low, medium, and
high, each serving different purposes and providing varying
degrees of insight and feedback.

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

These prototypes are basic and simplified representations of the

product. They focus on the core idea rather than detailed design or
functionality.

Examples: Sketches, paper models, and rough digital mock-ups.

Purpose: Ideal for early-stage brainstorming and concept

validation. They are quick and inexpensive to produce, allowing for
rapid iteration and broad exploration of ideas.

Medium-Fidelity Prototypes

More detailed and interactive than low-fidelity prototypes,

providing a clearer representation of the product’s design and
some functionality.

Examples: Wireframes, detailed mock-ups, and basic 3D models.

Purpose: Useful for testing specific functionalities and gathering

user feedback. They help in refining the product’s design and
understanding how users interact with it, without the complexity
and cost of high-fidelity prototypes.
High-Fidelity Prototypes

These prototypes closely resemble the final product in both

appearance and functionality. They are detailed, polished, and
often fully functional.

Examples: Working models, fully functional software, and detailed

physical models.

Purpose: Used for final validation and user testing before

production. They provide a realistic experience, allowing for
thorough testing and refinement. High-fidelity prototypes are
essential for gathering detailed feedback and ensuring that the
product meets user expectations and requirements.

Prototypes for different types of Products and Services

Prototypes are crucial for testing and refining ideas across various
types of products and services. Depending on the nature of the
product or service, different prototyping methods are applicable.
This section explores how to create prototypes for software,
physical products, and services, providing relevant examples and
methods for each.

Software Prototypes

Software prototypes are digital representations of applications,

websites, or software solutions. They can range from simple
wireframes to interactive, clickable mock-ups.

Examples:

Wireframes: Basic layout sketches showing the structure of the

application.
Mock-ups: More detailed visual representations with design
elements.
Clickable Prototypes: Interactive models that simulate user
interactions.

Methods:

Use tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD for creating wireframes

and mock-ups.

Utilize prototyping platforms such as InVision or Axure for building

interactive prototypes.

Conduct usability testing with potential users to gather feedback

and refine the software.

Product Prototypes

Product prototypes are physical representations of tangible items.

They can range from simple models to fully functional versions.

Examples:
3D Printed Models: Basic forms to test design and ergonomics.
Functional Prototypes: Working models that demonstrate the
product’s features and functionality.
Appearance Models: Highly detailed models that resemble the final
product in look and feel but may not be functional.

Methods:

Use 3D printing for rapid prototyping and testing form and fit.
Create functional prototypes using materials and components
similar to those of the final product.

Develop appearance models for marketing and user feedback using

techniques like CNC machining or vacuum casting.

Service Prototypes

Service prototypes simulate the delivery and interaction of service

offerings. They help in visualizing and testing the service
processes and customer experiences.

Examples:

Role-Playing: Acting out the service interactions to understand

customer experience.

Storyboards: Visual sequences showing the steps and interactions

in the service process.

Service Blueprints: Detailed diagrams mapping out the service

delivery process, including customer touchpoints and backstage
operations.

Methods:

Conduct role-playing sessions with team members to identify

potential issues and improvements.

Create storyboards to visualize and communicate the service

process.

Develop service blueprints to map out the entire service delivery

and identify areas for optimization.
Samples of Prototypes
Steps to take when building prototypes
The steps involved in building prototypes vary depending on
whether the focus is on software, physical products, or services.

Software Prototypes

Determine User Interactions:

Focus on how users will interact with the software.

Do not concentrate on databases or back-end designs yet.

Create Wireframes and Mockups:

Use tools like Balsamiq, Sketch, or Figma to design the interface.

Develop visual representations of user flows and screen layouts.

Build Interactive Prototypes:

Utilize tools such as Bubble, Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure.

Create interactive prototypes to simulate user interactions.

Test the Prototype:

Conduct usability testing with target users.

Gather feedback on user experience and interface design.

Iterate and Refine:

Make adjustments based on feedback.

Retest to ensure improvements meet user needs.

Product Prototype

Start with Simple Design Sketches:

Visualize the product using paper or digital drawing tools.

Create basic sketches to outline the product’s design and features.

Create 3D Models:

Use software like SolidWorks, Tinkercad, or Autodesk Fusion to

develop detailed 3D models.
Ensure the 3D model captures all critical aspects of the product's
design.

Build a Physical Representation:

Use materials such as cardboard, foam, or 3D printing to create a

physical prototype.
Focus on replicating the form, fit, and basic functionality of the
product.
Test the Prototype:

Evaluate the design, ergonomics, and functionality with users and

stakeholders.
Collect feedback on usability and overall design.

Iterate and Refine:

Make necessary adjustments based on feedback.

Create new iterations as needed to improve the prototype.

Service Prototypes

Create a Service Blueprint:

Outline the entire customer journey.

Detail frontstage and backstage actions, and touchpoints
involved in the service.

Develop a Customer Journey Map:

Create a graphical representation of the customer’s

experience.
Detail each touchpoint and the emotional state of the
customer throughout the service.

Role-Play the Service:

Simulate the service experience to understand and improve

the customer experience.
Use storytelling techniques to visualize and enhance
service delivery.
Test the Service Prototype:

Conduct simulations or pilot programs with real users.

Collect feedback on customer experience and service
delivery.

Iterate and Refine:

Make necessary adjustments based on feedback.

Continuously improve the service prototype through
repeated testing and refinement.

Do’s and Don’ts: Prototypes and Validations

Prototyping and validation are crucial steps, help in refining ideas,

identifying potential issues, and ensuring that the final product
meets user needs and expectations. Understanding the best
practices and common pitfalls associated with prototyping and
validation can significantly improve the effectiveness of these
processes. The following guidelines provide essential do's and
don'ts to help you navigate the complexities of prototyping and
validation successfully.

Prototyping: Do's & Don'ts

Do’s Don’ts

Keep it quick and dirty Don't over-engineer: Don't fall

into the trap of making your
prototype too complex ​
Get the team aligned on the Don't be afraid to fail: Not every
future final solution​ prototype will be a success.
That's okay!
​
Think of your prototype as a Don't get attached to your
living document, not a finished prototype​
product

A good prototype should Don't confuse prototypes with

communicate the vision and the final product​
potential of your product​

Bells and whistles come later. Don’t forget: Its purpose is to

Keep it simple and quick for now learn, not launch

Prototype Validation: Do's & Don'ts

Do's Don'ts

Ensure your testing group Don't Ignore Negative

represents your target Feedback: Negative feedback
audience​​ is as valuable as positive
feedback, if not more so. ​

Start testing as early as Don't Test with Too Narrow a

possible and continue Group: Ensure your test group
throughout the development is diverse enough to represent
process​​ your entire target audience.​​

Encourage honest feedback Don't Rush the Process: Take

and be open to making changes the time needed to thoroughly
based on user suggestions and test and validate your
needs.​​ prototype. ​

Prioritize testing the core Don't Overcomplicate Your

features and functionalities Prototype: Keep your prototype
that are crucial to your focused and simple. Adding too
product's success.​​ many features too early can
complicate testing and
feedback.​

Keep detailed records of test

results, user feedback, and
changes made.

Call-To-Action:
Complete Venture Activity 5.2 - Prototype Validation

Determine Fidelity Levels:

Assess the different fidelity levels of prototypes.

Choose the appropriate fidelity level for your prototype.

Create Prototypes:

Develop prototypes for software, physical products, and services.

Use suitable tools and methods to create each type of prototype.

Identify and Use Tools and Materials:

Select the right tools and materials needed for your prototypes.

Gather and utilize these resources effectively.

Complete Prototype Validation:

Prepare your prototypes for validation testing.

Conduct validation tests with relevant stakeholders and gather

feedback.

Analyse the results and iterate on your prototypes based on the

feedback received.