Using prototypes to test new ideas rapidly provides valuable insights and accelerates the innovation process. But how to surmount the reticence to expose ideas when they are still less than perfect?
01
Encourage people to test new ideas rapidly
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Underline the utility of rapidly discussing an initial concrete glimpse of an idea, even if it may be superficial.
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Make this the starting point for the innovation process, e.g. Ask to have a rough prototype before pursuing the analysis further.
02
Eliminate obstacles to experimentation
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Facilitate the use of easily accessible tools, e.g. Web beta testing sites, video or 3D modeling software, etc.
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Provide a framework for experimentation by specifying the resources you feel can be reasonably allocated to this activity, e.g. Suggest starting with a PowerPoint illustration or an Excel modelization of an idea.
03
Encourage feedback
- Use prototypes to gather feedback and input from many observers inside or outside the organization. These contributions tend to accelerate the innovation process.
Take action
Ask for a prototype of a new idea (5 min)
Developing a prototype, even if only in its main outline, permits you to refine ideas better than a theoretical exchange.
When a team member submits a new idea or a new approach, resist the temptation to start a debate with him on the objectives, aims or main axes of the project. On the contrary, invite him to first present a prototype.
Insist on a rough iteration of the prototype to not stall the initiative! A graphic, a mini-video made with a smartphone, a post-it process or an object made out of cut-out and glued carton sheets make for an excellent start to enable ideas to progress.
Bring a small team to review the prototype and exchange concrete ideas.
Bring an « experimentation » kit to a meeting (20 min)
You are more creative when “thinking while doing” rather than through discussion.
Place in the meeting room an “experimentation kit”: marker pens, post-its and flip boards, as well as glue, scotch tape, strings, colored carton sheets, and even Legos, Play Mobils, toy dining sets or any other objects that could be meaningful in your field of activity.
During meetings, encourage everyone to “play” with his ideas and rapidly draw or build what he is thinking of: the others will then be able to better interact and to actively contribute to the co-construction of a shared idea. E.g.: a product, an application, a customer process, a point of sale, etc.
Invite your team members to explore free experimentation tools (10 min)
Numerous free or cheap online tools are available today and facilitate experimentation. You just have to know about them…
Ask each of your team members to present in 10 minutes a tool or an application that he or she finds useful to experiment with and innovate in a simple manner and without a heavy investment. E.g.: a 3D modeling tool, an online polling tool, simulation, video animation, etc.
Plan for a “Tools review session” during each of your next team meetings, and list the access to these tools through a shared file.
Fix the time that each can freely use to experiment with these tools during working hours. E.g.: half a day per week.
Practical Tips
> Practice experimentation from the first stages of innovation (opens in a new window)
> Encourage informal experimentation
Find out more
> Firmly embed the experimentation reflex
© Managéris