Prototyping is a powerful approach that enables rapid iteration of design, transforming initial concepts into refined and stable solutions ready for development as a product or service. This process offers invaluable insights into how the product or service will function, allowing teams to identify and address major issues before committing to full-scale production. Prototyping begins the moment an idea is born; whether on paper or a whiteboard. It encourages creativity and exploration. As visual beings, we grasp ideas more effectively when we can see and engage with them, rather than relying solely on words.

One compelling example I often share in UX primer workshops, aimed at various departments, clients, and stakeholders, that illustrates the immense value of prototyping in a captivating way, is the McDonalds brothers use of prototyping to design their service system.

In the video, we see the McDonald brothers utilising low-fidelity prototyping to design their kitchen interface for their burger and fries service. This simple, low-cost simulation reveals critical gaps in service efficiency that they can address to enhance their offering. This foundational work ultimately led to the revolutionary Speedee Service System that transformed fast food production. Watching this process in action powerfully conveys the benefits of prototyping and its impact on achieving innovative solutions.