Rapid User Testing with Prototypes

Rapid user testing helps you learn quickly whether your concept or system makes sense to real users. As a creative technologist, you often work with experimental setups or new technology. Testing early saves time, reveals usability issues, and lets you iterate with confidence.

A test doesn’t have to be perfect. Even a simple prototype, a clickable sketch, a cardboard model, or a code snippet, is enough to trigger feedback and uncover hidden problems.

Starting Point

• Pick one thing you want to test: a user flow, a physical interaction, a reaction to an idea.
• Choose a prototype that fits your goal: paper, Figma, Arduino, Wizard-of-Oz, or a short video demo.
• Ask the user to interact with it as if it were real. Watch what they do, and only ask questions after the task.

Key Points

• Test early and test often. Don’t wait until the product is "done."
• Focus on what people do, not just what they say.
• One test equals one question. Don’t try to test everything at once.
• Capture reactions using notes, video, or voice memos. Reflect on what you learned after each test round.
• Use the results to refine your prototype or rethink your solution.