Prototyping to Reach Product Quality

Abstract

This chapter provides a framework for product quality consisting of the following three criteria: validity, practicality and effectiveness, and provides insight into the applicability of the framework in various domains of educational product development. In order to reach product quality, the prototyping approach is seen and understood as a suitable approach. This chapter discusses three significant characteristics of a prototyping approach: extensive use of prototypes, high degree of iteration and the role of formative evaluation, and the paramount importance of user involvement. The chapter illustrates the way the prototyping approach has been instrumental in developing a computer support system for instructional developers. During the prototyping process, the framework assisted in deciding the focus of each prototype and enhanced the transparency of the entire process.