Iterative Prototyping

Iterative Prototyping

Iterative prototyping is a design methodology that involves creating a series of progressively refined prototypes to test and validate design concepts. This approach is widely used in various design disciplines, including product design, user experience design, and architecture. The process begins with the creation of a low-fidelity prototype, which is a simplified representation of the final product or system. This initial prototype is then tested with users or stakeholders to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. Based on this feedback, the design is refined, and a new prototype is created. This cycle of prototyping, testing, and refinement is repeated until the design meets the desired requirements and user needs. Iterative prototyping allows designers to identify and address usability issues early in the design process, reducing the risk of costly changes later on. It also promotes a user-centered design approach, ensuring that the final product or system is tailored to the needs and preferences of its intended users. The use of prototypes also facilitates communication and collaboration among design team members, as well as with clients and stakeholders. By providing a tangible representation of the design, prototypes help to align expectations and gather valuable input from all parties involved. Iterative prototyping has been successfully applied in various contexts, from the development of consumer products to the design of complex systems such as aircraft and software interfaces. Fun fact: The iterative prototyping process was famously used by James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, who created 5,127 prototypes before arriving at the final design

rapid prototyping, design iteration, user testing, low-fidelity prototypes, high-fidelity prototypes, user-centered design, design refinement, prototype testing

— Stephan Trump