Low fidelity paper prototypes can help entrepreneurs learn more about users and requirements for new products and services. Designers use paper, pens, scissors, and tape to quickly (5-10 minutes) create a simple mockup of the product, focusing on the most important features or other characteristics. These prototypes are then evaluated by prospective users who try to use the prototype. One person manipulates the prototype in response to the user’s actions, a second asks questions to better understand what the user is thinking, and a third takes detailed notes.
This can be an in-class demonstration or activity (an ATM makes a good example), followed by more involved homework.
PPT slides and supporting handouts are available from the author.

• Audience: any course involving requirements analysis or product design
• Strengths: can be adapted to a variety of courses & contexts
• Weaknesses: adaptation may involve identifying new materials and examples
• Variants: simple prototypes can be developed in a few minutes, but some courses could spend several weeks developing a series of more elaborate and realistic prototypes
• References
  • Snyder, Carolyn. 2003. Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Design and Refine User Interfaces. Morgan Kaufmann. Great introduction to paper prototyping and usability testing. Highly recommended.
  • Norman, Donald. 2002. The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books. Readable classic. Chapters 1: and 7 are good reading assignments.
  • Preece, Jennifer, Rogers, Yvonne, Sharp, Helen. 2002. Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction. John Wiley & Sons. Interdisciplinary emphasis; useful materials online.