Prototyping for non-designers: Reflecting on the use of interactive prototyping tools

Abstract

Scientists and designers show different problem-solving strategies. Where scientists generally adopt a strategy of analysis; designers are more inclined to solve a problem by synthesis. Instead of striving for a deep understanding and analysis of the problem, a designer tackles a problem by quickly generating a satisfactory solution. Prototyping is one of the tools for designers to conceptualise and realise new product solutions. Fifteen students in their final year at the university following Political and Communication Sciences received an introduction to the programs Makey Makey and Scratch. All participants had little to no experience with programming and prototyping. The reflections on the workshop are described from a teacher and students’ point of view through qualitative interviews and a post survey. Results shine a light on the level of enjoyment, satisfaction and barriers of the students about the new learned tools. We conclude that interactive prototyping for non-designers is valuable and other non-design disciplines can quickly integrate such tools.