Lesson Plan
Build to Learn
Students will create a low-fidelity prototype and prepare a 30-second demo script that explains how it solves the user need.
Rapid prototyping allows students to quickly test and refine their ideas, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills crucial in various fields.
Audience
9th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on prototyping and demo script creation.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Slides: Build to Learn to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Do Now: Pick One Idea, Storyboard Sheet, Demo Script Template, and Exit Ticket: Next Change.
- Gather materials for the Paper Prototype Kit (paper, scissors, tape, markers, etc.).
- Ensure projector/screen is set up for the slide deck.
Step 1
Do Now: Choose Your Idea
5 minutes
- Students will complete the Do Now: Pick One Idea to select one idea they want to prototype from their previous brainstorming session.
- Circulate to ensure students have a clear idea to work with.
Step 2
Model: Low-Fidelity Prototypes
5 minutes
- Display Slides: Build to Learn to introduce low-fidelity prototyping.
- Show examples of simple paper prototypes and explain their purpose.
- Discuss the concept of storyboarding how a user interacts with a prototype.
Step 3
Build: Prototype and Storyboard
10 minutes
- Distribute Paper Prototype Kit materials and the Storyboard Sheet.
- Students will create a low-fidelity paper prototype of their chosen idea.
- Concurrently, students will use the Storyboard Sheet to map out how a user would interact with their prototype.
- Encourage quick building, focusing on function over aesthetics.
Step 4
Rehearse: Demo Script
5 minutes
- Distribute the Demo Script Template.
- Students will draft a 30-second script explaining their prototype and how it solves a user need.
- Encourage students to practice their demo with a partner.
Step 5
Exit Ticket: Next Change
5 minutes
- Students will complete the Exit Ticket: Next Change, reflecting on one change they would make for the next iteration of their prototype.
- Collect exit tickets as students leave.
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Slide Deck
Welcome! Let's Build!
Today, we're going to transform our ideas into something tangible and prepare to share them. Get ready to build, learn, and iterate!
Welcome students and introduce the day's objective: building and demonstrating a prototype.
What's a Prototype?
Prototyping: Making a quick, simple version of your idea.
Why?
- Test ideas fast
- Get feedback early
- Save time and resources
Think 'rough draft,' not 'final product'!
Explain what a low-fidelity prototype is and why it's useful. Emphasize speed and testing over perfection. Show simple examples of paper prototypes.
Storyboarding Your Idea
Before you build, let's map it out!
Storyboarding: A visual plan that shows how a user interacts with your prototype, step-by-step.
Think about:
- Who is your user?
- What problem are they solving?
- How will they use your prototype?
Introduce storyboarding as a way to visualize user interaction. Explain how it helps define the user experience before building. Provide a simple example.
Time to Build & Plan!
Using your chosen idea, create a low-fidelity prototype with simple materials.
Simultaneously, use the Storyboard Sheet to outline the user's journey through your prototype.
Remember: Build fast, learn faster!
Explain the task: create a physical prototype and storyboard its use. Emphasize using simple materials and focusing on the core functionality. Circulate to provide support.
Prepare Your Pitch: 30-Second Demo!
Now, let's get ready to show off your brilliant idea!
Your Goal: Create a 30-second script that explains:
- The problem you're solving.
- How your prototype solves it.
- Why it matters.
Practice makes perfect!
Introduce the concept of a 30-second demo. Explain its purpose: to clearly and concisely present the solution. Provide tips for a good demo script.
What's Next?
One key part of prototyping is constant improvement.
Complete the Exit Ticket: Next Change to note one change you would make to your prototype for the next version.
Great work today!
Conclude the session with the exit ticket, prompting reflection on the next steps for iteration. Collect the tickets.
Warm Up
Do Now: Pick One Idea!
Think back to our previous brainstorming sessions. You came up with many fantastic ideas!
For today's activity, you need to choose ONE idea that you would like to turn into a low-fidelity prototype. This is the idea you will be working on.
My chosen idea is:
Briefly explain why you chose this idea:
Activity
Paper Prototype Kit: Build Your Idea!
Today, you are going to bring your chosen idea to life using simple materials. Remember, the goal is to build something quick and simple to test your concept, not a finished product!
Materials Provided:
- Paper (various sizes and colors)
- Scissors
- Tape or glue stick
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Sticky notes
Instructions:
- Review Your Idea: Look at the idea you selected in the Do Now: Pick One Idea. What is the core functionality you want to prototype?
- Sketch it Out (Roughly): On a piece of scratch paper, quickly sketch a few different ways your prototype could look or work. Don't worry about perfection, just get ideas down.
- Start Building: Using your materials, create a physical representation of your chosen idea. Think about:
- User Interface: If it's an app, what are the screens? How do users navigate?
- Physical Object: If it's a tool, what are its main parts? How would someone hold or use it?
- Key Features: Focus on the most important parts that demonstrate your solution.
- Keep it Simple: Use labels, simple drawings, and cut-outs. Don't spend too much time on details. If a button needs to be clickable, just draw it and label it. If a screen leads to another, use different pieces of paper and arrange them.
- Simultaneously Storyboard: As you build, also work on your Storyboard Sheet to map out how a user would interact with your prototype. This will help you think through the user experience.
Worksheet
Storyboard Sheet: Map Your User's Journey
Use this sheet to plan out how a user would interact with your prototype. Think of it like a comic strip showing the steps a user takes.
Your Prototype Idea: ____________________________________________________________________
User Need/Problem it solves: ______________________________________________________________
Scene 1: The Beginning
What is the user doing right before they use your prototype? What is their initial problem or goal?
Sketch:
Description:
Scene 2: First Interaction
How does the user first interact with your prototype? What do they do?
Sketch:
Description:
Scene 3: Key Action 1
What is the next important step the user takes with your prototype?
Sketch:
Description:
Scene 4: Key Action 2 (Optional)
If applicable, what is another significant action the user takes?
Sketch:
Description:
Scene 5: The Outcome
What is the result or benefit for the user after using your prototype? How does it solve their problem?
Sketch:
Description:
Script
Demo Script Template: Your 30-Second Pitch!
Use this template to prepare a concise and compelling 30-second demonstration script for your prototype. Remember to clearly explain the problem you're solving and how your prototype provides a solution.
My Prototype Idea:
The Problem I'm Solving:
Start by clearly stating the user need or problem your prototype addresses.
Script:
My Solution (The Prototype):
Introduce your prototype and briefly explain how it works to solve the problem. You'll be showing your physical prototype here.
Script:
Why It Matters:
Explain the benefit or impact of your solution. How does it make things better for the user?
Script:
Practice Notes:
Use this space to jot down cues for yourself, like when to hold up your prototype, or points you want to emphasize.
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: What's Your Next Iteration?
Now that you've built a low-fidelity prototype and thought about how users will interact with it, it's time to think about improving it. Iteration is a key part of the design process!
Based on your experience building and storyboarding your prototype today, what is ONE specific change or improvement you would make for the next version of your prototype?
Think about ease of use, functionality, or addressing the user need more effectively.
Why would you make this change? How would it improve your prototype?