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Chapter 1: Prototyping

The Magic of Prototyping: How to Create A Wizarding World, Without the Wand
By Sophia Baez, Miami Innovation Coach

Build. Breakdown. Build Up. Falldown. Paper. Markers. Glue…EVERYWHERE. Reaching the final product. 

Let’s be honest, sometimes prototyping can be a little overwhelming. And when I say a little overwhelming, I mean it could look like the GIF with the dog on the table with fire everywhere. And is it really worth it? Is getting the table covered in glue and glitter really the price to pay? Unfortunately, yes. Yes, it is. And I do not say that lightly. 

Having students design without prototyping is like having them submit an essay without an outline or even a rough draft. I was a former English teacher…can you hear my heart break through your screens? The reality is that prototyping is not only the opportunity for students to work out the literal squeaky wheels, it encourages students to engage with their own work and the work of their peers. For students to take the first steps in making their idea come to life IRL (that’s in real life for those of you who are not hip to the lingo), is well ✨magical.✨

Now if you like magic, like I do (Hocus Pocus marathon anyone?), then you will love prototyping. Or your money back guarantee! Well this is a free resource…but you get the point. So if I have convinced you to start prototyping with my  charm and the promise of magic but you do not know where to start do not worry. I will be your Hagrid—sans beard. 

Before you bust out the markers and scissors it is important to consider the mindset that you are going into prototyping with—whether this is for yourself, teachers you are working with, or students you are facilitating. Keeping in mind the following prototyping criteria will allow you to have a solid foundation for success.

  1. Embrace imperfection: It is easy to try and build the plane as you are flying it but the Wright Brothers did not do that and neither should you. I think the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would agree with me. Instead, focus on rapid development rather than perfection. 

  2. Think scrappy: The beauty of prototyping is that you do not need fancy or expensive equipment–like a wand or a 3D Printer. Utilize easily accessible, low-cost materials and tools to create your prototype. Need an initial shopping list? You can find the IYC Prototyping Starting Supply List here!IYC Prototyping Starting Supply List here!

  3. Separate Prototype from Final Product: Again, think plane in air. Or an essay without outline...the horror! It is crucial to use the prototype to identify what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to be reimagined. 

Okay, so you are a wizard now, but you do not know how to cast a spell. Do not fret! Here are some suggestions: 

  • Paper Prototyping: Create simple, low-cost prototypes using paper and other basic materials to quickly visualize and test ideas, focusing on user interactions and functionality.

  • Storyboarding: Visually map out the user journey or process step-by-step to explore and communicate how your idea might function in real life.

  • Sketch: Create quick, low-fidelity drawings to capture and share ideas, focusing on form and concept without worrying about perfection.

Luckily, you do not have to invent an airplane. But something to consider if you are in the classroom, is that you probably have the inventor of the next innovation (please be a flying car like in Back to the Future). And the way to harness the creativity, thought, and excitement is allow students to engage with the process of prototyping so they can design with intentionality. In a world with rushed deadlines, stacks of complete (and incomplete) checklists, and competing priorities, designing and thinking with intentionality is not always a given. But what a wonderful, nay magical, world would it be if students were designing with intentionality instead of simply focusing on completion?