Resource talk:5 Chairs (Rapid Prototyping)

Rapid Prototyping seems pretty interesting. I felt like this was more of a documentation for a fun activity rather than an actual how to or instructional content.

Rapid prototyping also allows the team to provide an accurate idea of how the finished product will turn out before putting too much time and money into the prototype. Its an agile way of sharing different points of view when the team has to solve a particular problem.

Rapid prototyping is a major skill! In order to make a low-resolution prototype we have to leave all attachments we have with the idea out the door. Why? Because emotional attachment urges us to be perfectionists. Instead, what we want is for the idea to take a tangible form and be ready to be tested by our user in order for us to receive feedback and start iterating it. Change is scary, but iteration is change done in order to make something better. What is cool about the "5 chair" challenge is that the designer takes multiple approaches to solve one need, so it almost feels like ideation. But it's not, because the process of implementation has already begun! What's happening here is that the designer is detached from the "one" possibility and quickly explores multiple, making space for later synthesis. -Tatiana Fk

It is a fun activity which actually makes you realize the actual characteristics of the prototype. It helps you get more innovative and get new ideas and ways to make the prototype more efficient and gives you a rough idea about the final product.