Experiments

Experiments help you test your ideas quickly and learn what works in practice. As a creative technologist, you're not just making things, you're also exploring how people interact with them, what technical challenges arise, and how your concept behaves in the real world. An experiment is a small, focused activity that gives you concrete feedback to move your design forward.

Experiments are especially valuable when you're working with new technologies, uncertain user needs, or complex interactions. Instead of debating what might work, you try it out in a lightweight way and reflect on the result. That could be through testing a prototype, simulating behavior, or exploring edge cases in your code or setup.

Starting Point

• Pick one key assumption in your concept. For example: "Will users understand this interface without explanation?" or "Can this sensor reliably detect color in low light?"
• Think small: what is the minimum setup you need to learn something useful? That might be a paper sketch, a code snippet, a quick demo, or a reenactment.
• Ask yourself: what question am I trying to answer? Make your experiment goal specific and testable.

Key Points

• Focus on learning, not proving. A good experiment gives you insights, even if it fails.
• Be intentional: define what you're testing, how you'll test it, and how you'll collect feedback.
• Record your process and findings in a clear way. Include photos, screenshots, or notes so others can follow your reasoning.
• Keep your scope small. One experiment = one question.
• Use experiments iteratively throughout your project, not just at the end.