Validation, Introduction
Validation is about gathering feedback on concepts and prototypes.
Make sure the presentation of the prototype is mind setting and full of emotion in order to check on feasibility, viability and desirability with the stakeholders and users.
Apply activities, tools and techniques from the previous phases to iterate.
There is one key take away about prototyping: Do not fall in love with your prototype!
How to perform prototyping?
- Let the prototype do the talking.
- Don‘t defend your idea (it is for the user, not for you).
- Be aware what you want to know – stay on topic.
- Be open for new ideas and insights.
- Be receptive and thankful for you users‘ feedback – your aim is to learn.
- Ensure feasibility and viability too.
There are some key principles how to run validation (as outlined in the figure).
One of the key mistakes, which can occur during validation is defending or trying to sell the prototype to the user.
Therefore the Design Thinking team should present emotional and mind setting, but internally they should keep a certain emotional distance to their prototype and remain open for feedback.
Action: validate your prototype
Summary: the key Design Thinking principles
Now we have reached the end of the Design Thinking phases and implementation can start.
Implementation is about realizing a validated prototype.
There are many different ways, how to do implementation.
This, of course, heavily depends on the kind of solution.
Finally, let's recap some core principles of the Design Thinking phases.
The figure shows, what different experts say about topics in Design Thinking.