Behavioral prototyping
Behavioral Prototyping is one of various prototyping methods. It is employed early in the design process to critically observe a planned situation of user activity where simulated artifacts, environments, information or processes are represented and ideas explored.
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Description
Behavioral Prototyping is one of various prototyping methods. It is employed early in the design process to critically observe a planned situation of user activity where simulated artifacts, environments, information or processes are represented and ideas explored.
Purpose
This is a method used to better understand physical, cognitive, social, cultural or emotional behavior of users in relation to a developing design that creates new value for them and fits or builds on existing behaviors.
Principles
Users are at the center of the search for value. Prototypes engage users in activities that reveal patterns of use and are key to innovative thinking. Behavioral prototypes encourage users to do activities rather than describe actions. Prototypes can be abstract without regard for final concept form. Prototypes reveal how people naturally think, act and interact.
Application
Behavioral Prototyping methods apply to phases of a project where it is important to know how users interact with tangible artifacts, environments, information or processes. As both a generative and iterative tool, behavioral prototyping gleans user information from both observation and conversation and then uses it to modify next versions or build whole new ideas.
