rapid-prototyping

To plan a rapid prototype, define one specific assumption, select the cheapest falsifiable technique, set a fixed timebox with an end date, and establish clear success or kill criteria before execution begins.

The cheapest-fidelity principle minimizes spend by selecting the least expensive falsifiable technique to test an assumption, ensuring prototype validation remains timeboxed, focused, and cost-effective without overbuilding.

Falsifiable criteria for a timeboxed prototype are defined before execution by explicitly stating what observable outcome would prove the assumption false, alongside declaring what the prototype will not prove.

Rapid prototyping applies to testing desirability, feasibility, viability, usability, and technical concerns, but enforces a strict rule of one assumption per prototype to maintain focus and ensure valid results.

Declaring what a prototype will not prove prevents misinterpretation of results, keeping the timeboxed experiment focused on validating a single assumption and avoiding false confidence in untested areas.

The best way to sequence prototype phases is to follow setup, assumption deconstruction, technique selection, scope definition, risk assessment, and diagram rendering, culminating in final report assembly.