If the ability to focus is limited because of time crunch, shorten down the time spent on prototyping. If the ability is limited because of distractions, make sure facilitators keep a calm and attentive attitude, and prolong time for prototyping.
Reduce the amount of available materials to increase focus on a few, simple tools.
Touch
IIf a participant is unable to touch, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the physical work of prototyping, preferably other group members. This could also be a helper, documenter or a facilitator, if no participants are able to touch. Remember to let the participant with the limited ability instruct and guide the process.
Hold
If a participant is unable to hold, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the physical work of prototyping, preferably other group members. This could also be a helper, documenter or a facilitator, if no participants are able to hold. Remember to let the participant with the limited ability instruct and guide the process.
Think
Reduce or extend the timeframe based on the participants cognitive abilities. Reduce the amount of complexity in the materials - Lego and modelling clay is for example easy for most to pick up and build with, with limited skills as cardboard is more complex but gives a lot of freedom according to size and detailing.
Move
If a participant is unable to move, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the physical work of prototyping, preferably other group members. This could also be a helper, documenter or a facilitator, if no participants are able to move. Remember to let the participant with the limited ability instruct and guide the process.
Speak
If participants are unable to speak, pair the groups up with other participants who are able to speak, and let them do the presenting. If no participants can speak, the presentation can be done in written from.
Hear
If participants are unable to hear the presentation of the prototypes can be done in written from.
See
If a participant is unable to see, make sure to have a partner to spar with that can do the physical work of prototyping, preferably other group members. This could also be a helper, documenter or a facilitator, if no participants are able to see. Remember to let the participant with the limited ability instruct and guide the process.
Overview
Input
Basic ideas or descriptions for concepts
Output
Prototypes
Complexity
Moderate-Complex
Time
15-80min
Participants
2-10
Activity
Communicating, drawing, crafting.
Step by step:
Divide the participants in groups of 2 or 3.
Assign or make the groups choose what concept to prototype.
Present materials accessible for the participants. Materials can include:
Legos
Modelling clay
Cardboard
Paper
Pens
Storyboards
Tape
Scissors etc.
Give the participants a minimum of 15 min to prototype. For physical prototyping give more time.
Be observant on how the participants use the materials – do they need to go another route like sketching? storyboard? be observant.
Let the participants present their prototype.
When doing this method you should consider:
Do not include too many different ways of prototyping into one session as this can lead to decision fatigue.
Always have a physical and sketching option to accommodate different ways of working.
Choose the type of prototyping materials based on your participants – can they e.g. use a scissor?
Pair up the participants so a diverse point of view can be utilized