Teaching article
Save the reason for a design choice before the test
Preserve the reason for a choice so later reflection can compare it with evidence.
A brief note about the expected benefit makes later reflection more precise. The group can compare its prediction with what happened, rather than explaining every final feature as though its success had been obvious from the start.
Identify the chosen feature. State the expected benefit. Plan a test.
Treat the expected benefit as a prediction
State an expected benefit as a prediction. Testing then provides a reason to keep, modify or abandon the feature.
'I chose a broad base to reduce tipping' is testable.
A reason is not a confirmed result.
What observation would support it? Dictate the decision.
Resources
- Paper Bridge Design Challenge — Apply a stated span and test method when comparing the paper prototypes.
Further reading
Read next
- Model dimensions need room for the intended action
- A paper tower's base deserves as much attention as its height
- Redesign one feature for a reason you can show
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