Build some prototypes. Obviously, the nature of your prototypes will be very different depending on the design domain you are working in. If you are designing a building, you probably won’t build a comprehensive prototype; rather you’ll probably build something using a digital tool or make a model from cardboard. If you are designing a website, you’ll probably create a prototype using a graphics program like Powerpoint, or possibly using a web-based design tool. Your prototypes may be focused or comprehensive, analytical or physical. At this point in the design process you are probably most concerned with answering the question “Will it work?” If you do not have a lot of experience making things, do not panic. Do your best using whatever materials and tools you have at your disposal. Even a simple prototype will usually be highly informative.

Below you will see some concept sketches for table top designs for our kitchen eating area.

Below you will see a prototype I made with boxes. I was more interested in how the bench and table would fit in the space for this prototype. I wasn't so concerned with what the bench legs would look like or the exact shape of the top. I think I needed to see an approximation of the furniture in the space before I explore table top designs or bench seat legs in more depth.

Create a concept selection matrix and evaluate your 10 concepts. Your goal is to identify the few concepts (2-4) you will explore using prototypes. Remember that the rows of the matrix are your selection criteria. These should definitely include your key user needs. Most of you will want to include some notion of cost, wow, and elegance/beauty.