Prototyping: RtD

“As design researchers within HCI, the overall goal of our work is to expand and formalize the use of RtD as a research method, and to better understand and document knowledge that is generated from this type of design research.”

Zimmerman, John, et al. “An Analysis and Critique of Research Through Design.” Proceedings of the 8th ACM Conference on Designing Interactive Systems - DIS '10, 2010.

Definition

Prototyping is a form of research through design (RtD). Design knowledge is gained as a prototype is developed.

Context

Constructive design

Procedure

There is no formalized approach to research through design in the HCI community. Based on my experience, I recommend the follow criteria for applying this method:

1. Use prototyping as a form of inquiry. Prototypes are not intended for perfection, but should be used to drive a design further. Prototypes can take many different forms and I give an example below.

2. Derive a theory from the design. Prototypes are an opportunity to rethink how we use different artifacts and systems. It constructs new theories by shaping relationships and connections.

Use Case

I used Figma to co-create an application for an e-waste collection system (named E-change) along with two other designers.

I designed several interfaces and put together a visual for the interaction sequence. Through the design of our prototype, I was able to gain knowledge about something that didn’t exist yet. We discovered a new process by prototyping a system for reselling e-waste.

Here’s how it works:

E-change allows donators to schedule a pick-up delivery for data sensitive e-waste (such as phones or computers) or for large items (like TVs). Donators can also find specified drop off locations for small, non-data sensitive e-waste. On the other end, e-waste collection centers (such as the IU Surplus Store) can have “middlemen” that pick up e-waste around a locality. The middlemen can use a rickshaw for smaller items, or trucks for larger items.

Data Analysis

In essence, prototyping is a practice for making sense of data. It’s a blend of practice and research. An artifact is created such as our E-change prototype (practice). Simultaneously, we refined design principles such as data security and sustainable practices (research).

Research can reveal people’s hidden needs; however, research through design reveals how to fulfill those needs in reality. The research is implicit in the design of the prototype. New knowledge and theory is gained as the prototype is iterated upon.