Prototyping, Testing, and Influence

This unit guides students through translating research into tangible prototypes, structured testing, and strategic stakeholder engagement. Learners will close knowledge gaps, evaluate and select ideas, and secure resources and leadership support to prepare designs for implementation in the final unit.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze user needs and observational data, including input from lead users, to identify and prioritize the most important wishes, problems, and knowledge gaps
• Apply consistent observational and testing methodologies to develop, iterate, and document low- to mid-fidelity prototypes and learning outcomes
• Demonstrate strategies for building support—establishing a leadership coalition, requesting resources or creative freedom, and planning project budgets—to enable project progression
• Evaluate ideas using checklists, creativity techniques, advantage/barrier analysis, and selection criteria to choose solutions worthy of further development