On the twelfth iteration my client gave to me...

We have all been guilty of it. The endless suffixes added to your design files giving hope that "final version _final_final_ V3" is the one that will finally stick! While sometimes frustrating, the rapid edits and additions (or subtractions) to a design are a method of rapid prototyping.

Rapid prototyping is the fast fabrication of a physical object. As someone who is involved in the 3D printing community, this term was coined to describe the rapid development of a prototype using additive manufacturing. It is no surprise then, that this method has also been adopted by other communities to describe an iterative process of design. Iterative design is cyclical in nature and can bring forth some amazing results.

Let's take a look at one of my actual 3D prototypes and how my learning design knowledge influenced each iteration and evolution of this product.

The project in question involved the creation of a dice holder in the shape of a sword with matching sheath. The original design of the holder held the dice within an empty cavity of the sword. However, one customer wanted a more organized way of holding the dice. Thus the dice tray was born.

Through the evolution of this prototype we can see the various considerations that were implemented. What originally began as a request for more organization, later examined the user experience as a whole and the need for accessibility modifications.

What did all of this have to do with learning experience design?

Using a non-linear approach to design can help meet the primary goal of producing a sample working model for a stakeholder. This will help them to visualize and understand what a course will look and feel like. Then, upon receiving input from developers, graphic designers, the client, or others we may discover new ways to improve upon the learning experience.

Rapid prototyping helps designers to think out-of-the box, enhances communication between stakeholders, and is resource-efficient. Much like my 3D printed sword (all of which were iterated upon and reprinted within a day), rapid prototyping in learning experience design is resource-efficient and allows room for failure. Will this be the last iteration of my dice sword? I sure hope not! Much like my learning experiences, there will always be room for improvement!