Sometimes there are issues with your solution that are only revealed once you put it into action. But by then, it may be too late to fix them! One way to anticipate potential pitfalls is to imagine that your idea has been realized, and act out what it would look and feel like, with as much detail as possible.
any props you may need to simulate your solution. It’s helpful to set up at the actual location where your design will be put into action, but if that’s not possible try to recreate the setting as best you can.
Re-create the experience of using your design solution in real life, as closely as you can. Assign roles to team members. A couple of people should be “typical” users of the product or process you’ve created, but remember that all kinds of people will encounter your design, and that the atypical ones will present the biggest challenges. Consider creating characters with physical disabilities, characters of different ages (especially very young and very old), characters that speak different languages, characters that like to cause trouble. Wigs, costumes, and props are optional, but can help people get into character.
Act out a few different scenarios, and pay close attention to what your actors reveal about your design. What could you change about your design to make it more useful / accessible / sustainable to those folks? Now, go refine your prototype using what you’ve learned!
