9 - Glossary
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Understanding Prototypes
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Today, we are discussing prototypes. Can anyone tell me what a prototype is?
Isn't it just a rough draft of a product?
Good start! A prototype is indeed an early model of a design. More specifically, they can be low-, mid-, or high-fidelity. Who can explain the difference between them?
Low-fidelity is like a simple sketch or cardboard model, right?
Exactly! Low-fidelity prototypes are basic and focus on the concept rather than detailed design. Mid-fidelity includes more detail like wireframes. And high-fidelity prototypes are what the final product resembles. Remember the acronym 'L-M-H,' which stands for Low, Mid, High to recall these types.
So, L for Low, M for Mid, and H for Highβgot it!
Great job! Prototypes help us visualize ideas and receive feedback early in the design process.
Iterative Cycle
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Next, let's talk about the iterative cycle. Who remembers what it involves?
Is it build, test, and improve?
Correct! The iterative cycle consists of building a prototype, testing it, and then using feedback to improve it. Why do you think this cycle is important?
It helps us refine our ideas based on real feedback!
Precisely! This continuous improvement leads to better designs. You can remember this cycle with the acronym 'B-T-I' for Build, Test, Improve.
That's a helpful way to remember it!
Indeed! Now, what would be the first step in this cycle?
Building a simple version of our idea!
Exactly! Starting simple allows us to iterate faster and focus on core functionalities.
Feedback Culture
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Now letβs focus on feedback culture. Why is giving feedback important in prototyping?
It helps improve our designs based on what others find confusing or difficult.
Absolutely! A positive feedback culture encourages honesty and respect among peers. Can someone name a method we could use to give feedback?
Maybe a feedback wall with sticky notes?
Great example! That method allows everyone to share constructive thoughts. Remember to balance 'warm' feedbackβwhat works wellβwith 'cool' feedbackβwhat needs improvement.
So, we need to provide both positive comments and suggestions, right?
Exactly! This will foster growth and collaborative learning.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
This glossary provides definitions for key terms and concepts found throughout the chapter on prototyping techniques, such as prototype types, the iterative cycle, fidelity measures, feedback culture, and the foundational learning approaches.
Detailed
Glossary
This glossary serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the fundamental terminology associated with prototyping techniques highlighted in this chapter. Each term is crucial for grasping the concepts of creating and refining prototypes in various fidelity levels, thereby fostering a deeper comprehension of how prototyping enhances learning and design.
Key Definitions
- Prototype (low-, mid-, high-fidelity): Models representing different levels of detail and interactivity in design. Low-fidelity prototypes are basic and rough, mid-fidelity prototypes are more detailed but still simple, and high-fidelity prototypes closely resemble the final product in both functionality and aesthetics.
- Iterative Cycle: The repeated process of building, testing, and improving prototypes, facilitating continuous refinement in design.
- Fidelity: A measure of how closely a prototype resembles the final design in terms of detail and interactivity, impacting how effectively it can be tested and evaluated.
- Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages respectful and constructive feedback among peers, integral in enhancing the iterative design process.
- Design-Based Learning: An educational philosophy where students learn through designing, creating, testing, and reflecting on projects.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: An approach focusing on engaging students in questioning, exploring, and solving real-world problems.
Audio Book
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Prototype (low-, mid-, high-fidelity)
Chapter 1 of 6
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Chapter Content
Models representing different levels of detail.
Detailed Explanation
A prototype can be considered a model that exists in various forms or 'fidelities', which indicate how closely it resembles the final product. Low-fidelity prototypes are simple and often made from materials like paper or cardboard, while mid-fidelity prototypes might include digital wireframes or interactive paper designs. High-fidelity prototypes are nearly identical to the final product in terms of design and function, often created using digital simulations or 3D printing.
Examples & Analogies
Think of prototyping like sculpting a statue. A low-fidelity prototype would be like a rough clay version that captures just the basic shape. A mid-fidelity prototype would look more like a detailed maquette (a small-scale model), and a high-fidelity prototype would be akin to the finished statue that has the exact design and finish you want.
Iterative Cycle
Chapter 2 of 6
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Chapter Content
Repeated process of buildβtestβimprove.
Detailed Explanation
The iterative cycle is a crucial method in prototyping that involves a continuous loop of building a prototype, testing it to gather feedback, and then improving it based on the received insights. Each cycle aims to refine the design and functionality of the prototype, leading to better and more user-friendly products. This process emphasizes learning from each version to make informed adjustments.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a chef who is perfecting a recipe. They might cook a dish (build it), taste it and ask others for their opinions (test it), and then make changes to the recipe for flavor or presentation based on feedback (improve it). They repeat this process until they create the best possible dish.
Fidelity
Chapter 3 of 6
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Chapter Content
Measure of how closely a prototype resembles the final design.
Detailed Explanation
Fidelity refers to the degree of detail and accuracy contained within a prototype in relation to the final product. High-fidelity prototypes closely imitate the final design in terms of both appearance and functionality, while low-fidelity prototypes may only present basic ideas without intricate details. Understanding fidelity helps designers know how much investment in time and resources to allocate at each stage of prototyping.
Examples & Analogies
Consider fidelity like the difference between a sketch of a building and a detailed architectural model. The sketch (low-fidelity) gives an idea of the layout but lacks specific details, while the model (high-fidelity) showcases exact materials, colors, and structure, resembling how the building will look in reality.
Feedback Culture
Chapter 4 of 6
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Chapter Content
A respectful environment for sharing critique.
Detailed Explanation
A feedback culture is an environment where sharing thoughts and critiques is encouraged and respected. This allows individuals to provide constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve designs without fear of negativity. An effective feedback culture enhances the learning process by making it a collaborative effort to refine ideas and prototypes based on collective insights.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like a sports team practicing together. Each player provides feedback on each other's performance in a positive manner to help everyone improve their skills. This constructive atmosphere creates a stronger team and increases their chances of success in games.
Design-Based Learning
Chapter 5 of 6
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Chapter Content
Learning through designing, creating, testing, and reflecting.
Detailed Explanation
Design-Based Learning is an educational approach that engages students in hands-on projects where they actively design, build, and test solutions to real-world problems. Through this method, learners develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they navigate through each step of the design process. This approach encourages creativity and practical application of knowledge.
Examples & Analogies
You might think of it as an art class where students not only learn about famous artists but also create their own art. They experience the entire creative processβconceptualizing ideas, experimenting with materials, and reflecting on their work to learn how to improve.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Chapter 6 of 6
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Chapter Content
Learning through questioning, exploring, and solving real-world problems.
Detailed Explanation
Inquiry-Based Learning focuses on students posing their own questions and pursuing answers through exploration and problem-solving. This method fosters curiosity and emphasizes understanding by actively engaging in a learning process rather than passively receiving information. Students learn how to seek knowledge by investigating topics of interest and uncovering solutions to challenges they face.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a science fair where students ask questions about environmental issues. They don't just read textbooks; they conduct experiments, build models, and gather data to find answers. This active approach promotes deeper understanding and retention of concepts.
Key Concepts
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Prototype: A preliminary model to test and refine ideas.
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Iterative Cycle: A continuous loop of building, testing, and improving.
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Fidelity: Indicates the level of detail in prototypes.
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Feedback Culture: Importance of constructive and respectful critique.
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Design-Based Learning: Learning through hands-on designing and reflecting.
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Inquiry-Based Learning: Engaging through exploration and problem-solving.
Examples & Applications
A low-fidelity prototype might be a simple paper sketch of a new app interface.
A high-fidelity prototype could be a fully interactive model developed in a software like Adobe XD.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Prototypes come in types you see, L, M, H - simply!
Stories
Imagine a young inventor sketching ideas on paper, creating models from cardboard, and testing them with friends to see how they can improve, all in a lively classroom buzzing with feedback.
Memory Tools
Remember 'B-T-I' for the iterative cycle: Build-Test-Improve.
Acronyms
Use βF-B-D-Iβ to recall
Feedback
Build
Design
Iterate.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Prototype (low, mid, highfidelity)
Models representing different levels of detail and interactivity in design.
- Iterative Cycle
The repeated process of build, test, and improve prototypes.
- Fidelity
A measure of how closely a prototype resembles the final design.
- Feedback Culture
An environment encouraging constructive feedback and critique.
- DesignBased Learning
Learning through designing, creating, testing, and reflecting.
- InquiryBased Learning
Learning through questioning, exploring, and addressing real-world problems.
Reference links
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