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  • What is rapid prototyping in design thinking?

In design thinking, rapid prototyping is a core practice used to quickly create tangible representations of ideas or solutions to test and refine them based on user feedback and observations. It aligns with the iterative, user-centered approach of design thinking, which emphasizes empathy, ideation, and experimentation to solve problems creatively.

Key Aspects in Design Thinking:

1.Purpose: To translate ideas into physical or digital prototypes that can be tested with users to validate assumptions, gather insights, and improve solutions.

2.Process:

Ideation: Generate ideas based on user needs identified during the empathy phase.

Prototyping: Build quick, low-fidelity models (e.g., sketches, paper mockups, 3D-printed objects, wireframes, or role-playing scenarios) to represent the solution.

Testing: Share prototypes with users to observe interactions, collect feedback, and identify areas for improvement.

Iteration: Refine the prototype based on feedback and repeat the cycle to enhance the solution.

3.Characteristics:Low-Fidelity: Prototypes are often simple (e.g., cardboard models, storyboards) to save time and resources.

Speed: Created quickly to test ideas early and often.

User-Focused: Designed to elicit meaningful feedback from target users.

4.Benefits:Encourages experimentation and learning through failure.

Reduces risk by identifying flaws early.

Fosters collaboration and communication among teams and stakeholders.

Aligns solutions closely with user needs.

In design thinking, rapid prototyping is about "thinking with your hands" to make ideas concrete, test them in real-world contexts, and iterate quickly to develop user-centered solutions. It bridges ideation and implementation, ensuring solutions are practical and impactful.