Pathwise

Manuals / Design Thinking / Chapter 5

B · Make · intermediate · ~40 min · Chapter 5 of 9

Prototype to learn

Fidelity matches the question. Paper, Figma click-through, or concierge. The prototype exists to get feedback — not to impress.

Path progress
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Step 1 of 1

Build the smallest prototype

If you’re testing navigation, don’t pixel-polish illustrations.

Build the smallest prototypeDrag stickies · tap for tips
Study mapDrag stickies · tap for tipsKeep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Assert the UIdrag · tap →Retry wiselydrag · tap →Seed datadrag · tap →Close the loopdrag · tap →Keep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Pathwise hackdrag · tap →Build the smallestdrag · tap →Try thisdrag · tap →Follow the dashed drag · tap →

Do this now

Ship a prototype in <1 day of effort that answers your riskiest assumption.

Pro tip: Tell testers what’s fake so they don’t fight the facade.

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Chapter learning outcomes
  • Fidelity choice
  • Happy path + one edge
  • Facade honesty

Clear these before you leave