A Guide to Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping

Your guide to desiging smarter, not slower

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What is Rapid Protoyping?

Rapid prototyping encourages you to start with a rough draft, or what we call a "low-fidelity prototype." Then, you refine it over time using real feedback from stakeholders and learners. It's a continuous loop of design, test, tweak, and repeat, until you've created something that not only looks good but actually works for your learners.

How can I start with a rough draft?

Here's the best part...

You don't need a fully fleshed-out plan or polished slides to begin. Sometimes all it takes is a sketch on paper, a simple storyboard, or a sample interaction built in your favorite authoring tool.

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hOW iT wORKS

The Process Flow

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How it Works

So, how does Rapid Prototyping work? Let's take a few minutes to outline how the process usually flows. Click on the Info button to learn more.

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How it is different

How it Differs from the SAM Model

Rapid Prototyping is more of a technique or design approach: it's fast, informal, and very flexible. SAM is a full-fledged instructional design model with defined phases, team workflows, and a more formalized process. You could say that Rapid Prototyping lives inside of SAM, especially during the early design and development phases. One is a tool, while the other is a blueprint.

Similarities

Both are iterative, emphasize feedback, and aim to reduce the risk of major redesigns late in the process.

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When it shines

Key Strengths and When to Use It

So, what are the key strengths and when should you use it?

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When it Shines

Here's a quick list of when Rapid Prototyping really shines. Click on the Info button below to learn when Rapid Prototyping really shines.

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Question 1

What part of that project could have benefited from faster feedback or early prototyping?

Reflection Activity

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Question 2

How might Rapid Prototyping help you streamline your workflow in future projects?

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Write it down

Think about a past or current instructional design project and consider jotting the ideas in your journal or planner.

Write down three ways you could improve prototyping earlier in your process. Even small shifts, like sketching before scripting, can save time and lead to better learning outcomes.

Storyboarding vs. Rapid Prototyping

Watch this short video from Tim Slade at the eLearning Designer's Academy about the benefits of storyboarding and rapid prototyping when designing e-learning courses.

Check for Understanding

At it's core, Rapid Prototyping reminds us that we don't have to get it perfect the first time. Designing is a journey. Remember, with every quick test, tweak, and conversation, we move closer to building something truly meaningful for our learners. WiAn

You don't need perfection to make progress, you just need the courage to start!

"Step out and find out."

- Joyce Meyer

You're short on time.

You're not 100% sure what your learners or stakeholders want.

You're working with a team that values speed and collaboration.

You're developing e-learning, mobile learning, or microlearning content.

You want to test ideas early and often before finalizing anything.

Identify the learning need: What problem are you solving, and who are your learners?

Step 1

Build a quick prototype: Think "just enough" to communicate your idea.

Step 2

Share and gather feedback: Ask questions like: What's working? What's missing?

Step 3

Revise and test again: Repeat until it is refined.

Step 4

Develop the final product: Now you can build with confidence.

Step 5