THE ART OF THE

PROTOTYPE

Hello!

I have an agenda.

I’d like you to believe

that prototypes are the

best way to test an idea.

First, some

background.

“The prototype is an early

model or experiment to rapidly

create solutions to challenges

and problems already defined

and discussed by design

thinkers.”

- from Unpacking Design Thinking: Prototype

Why should you

prototype?

1. It forces you to

make choices.

2. It gets your

patrons involved.

3. It lets you answer

questions quickly and

cheaply.

What are the key elements

of a prototype?

1. Know who your

users are.

2. Have an idea

you believe in.

3. Know your questions...

4. …And if your prototype

will answer them.

5. Be curious about what

you will learn.

6. Be prepared to start

again.

7. Record everything.

8. Be prepared to learn the

unexpected.

RESOURCES

• Photo credits and links in the notes section of the

appropriate slides.

• What is Design Thinking for libraries, and how can it solve

my library’s problems?http://www.ltsa.edu.au/blog/what-is-design-thinking-for-libraries-and-how-can-

it-solve-my-librarys-problems/

• Design Thinking for Librarieshttp://designthinkingforlibraries.com/

• Virtual Crash Course in Design Thinking from Stanford

d.schoolhttp://dschool.stanford.edu/dgift/

• Tyson’s Land Use Task Force Prototypehttp://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/tysonscorner/outreach/feb08questions.pdf

• Design Thinking for Educatorshttps://www.ideo.com/work/toolkit-for-educators

• At Englewood ‘Barbershop at the Library,’ Kids Get

Haircuts, Peace of Mindhttps://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160127/englewood/at-englewood-

barbershop-at-library-kids-get-haircuts-peace-of-mind

• The Skeptic’s Guide to Low Fidelity Prototypinghttps://www.smashingmagazine.com/2014/10/the-skeptics-guide-to-low-

fidelity-prototyping/