"Prototyping is the Shorthand of Innovation"
by Alejandra Garza
1. Achieving goals
1.1. Prototyping is a way of making progress when the challenges seem insurmountable.
1.2. • Tackle problems when you don’t have the answers. Once you get in gear, you’ll be surprised how easily some of the solutions appear.
1.3. • Decision-making.
1.4. • What counts is expressing the idea quickly – and cheaply.
2. Not wasting time
2.1. you might be working against the clock – if you don't act soon, you – or your project – will be underwater.
2.2. • Get into the habit of making stuff. Odds are you’ll bounce your way to the insights that may inspire your next breakthrough.
2.3. • Prototype bad ideas. You’ll get rid of them faster and perhaps discover something new.
3. Prototyping
3.1. Playful and iterative approach
3.2. • Once you start drawing or making things, you open up new possibilities of discovery.
3.3. • Make things: doodle, draw, model, sketch ideas… you’re likely to encourage accidental discoveries.
3.4. • Play. Explore borders.
3.5. • The most obvious, simplest solution may be the best.
3.6. • Prototype with energy and enthusiasm.
4. Moving the ball forward...
4.1. • Know that if you keep trying out new techniques, you’ll make dramatic improvements.
4.2. • If you just make some good guesses and fill in the blanks of the equation, you’ll get some answers.
4.3. • Quick prototyping: acting before you’ve got the answers, taking chances – stumbling a littler, but then making it right.
4.4. • Keep the momentum going.
5. "A good prototype is worth a thousand pictures"
5.1. • Models often surprise, making it easier to change your mind and accept new ideas.
5.2. • Prototype is like a spokesperson for a particular point of view.
5.3. • Good prototypes persuade.
5.4. • Living, moving prototypes (improvisational skits) can help shape your ideas.