tom chi - rapid prototyping at google x - mindtheproduct 2012

Rapid Prototyping XTom Chi

How would you prototype this experience?

Coat hanger

Plexiglas

Sheet Protector

Pico projector

Netbook

Another Example

How would you prototype this?

Coat hanger

Fishing line

Whiteboard

Presentation Clicker

Hairbands

Chopstick

Binder clip

pen

Presentation clicker

Last Example

How would you figure the general shape/size of the product?

modeling wire

scale

clay

paper

So what just happened there?

By the time you try 20 things, 64% chance of success

By the time you try 50 things,

92% chance of success

Rate-Based Goals

Say the things you try have a 5% chance of success…

So to maximize the rate of learning, we dramatically minimize the time to try things

Don’t Guess.Learn.

Don’t “Fail.”Learn.

How would we prototype…

a Business Model?What Conversations Need to Happen? Act them out!

What Processes Need to Work? Prototype their operation!

How would we prototype…

a Software System?What screens would people see? Sketch them and use immediately!

What function does it need to provide? Simulate it!

How would we prototype…

a Machine / Device?What is it’s physical form? Simulate it!

What is it’s function? Try it the cheapest way you can

How would we prototype…

a Marketing Campaign?What will people need to know/feel? Draw, present to strangers, listen…

What thinking factors into the sale? Let people know their role / motivation…

the Unknown

Possible Outcomes

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How do you find a path… from the unknown to a high-quality outcome?

Research maximize rate of learning

Development drive efficiency/quality

1. Branch into broad & fast exploration

2. Extend / prune

3. Constellate your results

4. Build

Benefits of Rates

1. Simple way to measure progress

2. Immediately actionable – no more waiting

3. Allows you evaluate experiments faster

4. When you can evaluate faster, you can experiment faster

Try fast, learn fast, revise fast (~15 prototypes / week)

Thanks!@thegoodtomchi