Prototyping context

Prototyping context is the environment and setting in which prototyping sessions are conducted. It involves choosing between two major approaches:

• Contextual prototyping: Contextual prototyping takes place in the actual environment where the final service or product will be used. The contextual prototyping for a new retail experience would involve conducting the prototyping session in an actual shop. By immersing the participants in the real context, you can understand what works and what doesn't and capture the crucial nuances for implementation.
• Lab prototyping: Lab prototyping occurs in a controlled environment such as a laboratory or any place that is detached from the actual context. This method is chosen when the real context is not accessible, does not allow changes, or is too expensive to use. In such cases, the prototyping sessions are conducted in a simulated setting. For example, a team simulates a hospital waiting room to test a new patient check-in system. They observe and gather feedback from participants to refine the prototype before implementing it in the actual hospital environment. While lab prototyping may lack the authenticity of the real context, it still allows for iterative testing and evaluation of the prototypes.

The choice between contextual and lab prototyping depends on various factors like the availability and feasibility of the real context, the cost involved, and the specific prototyping goals. No matter what you choose, remember that the more your prototyping environment and situations are like the real thing, the more trustworthy the feedback you get will be when you evaluate your prototype.^[1]