Rubrics Prototyping in education
This rubric was developed as part of the USO project “Everyone Equipped” from the Faculty of Science. The project aimed to equip all students with skills in digital fabrication and prototyping. To achieve this goal, it is essential to train and inspire teachers. Teachers can use them either as direct tools in their teaching or as inspiration for designing their own educational materials.
Understanding prototype Rubrics
Prototyping is a fundamental aspect of design and innovation. As such, it is a central element in design-based education, allowing students to iteratively develop, test, and refine ideas. The choice of prototyping approach—rapid, low-fidelity (Lo-fi), or high-fidelity (Hi-fi)—depends on the course goals, students’ prior knowledge and experience, available time, and the desired depth of understanding. (Gerber & Carroll, 2012; Snyder, 2003).
For instance, introductory courses may prioritize rapid or Lo-fi prototypes to accommodate students with limited prior exposure, focusing on the basics of design thinking and problem-solving. Advanced courses may include Hi-fi prototyping to deepen understanding and develop technical skills.
Similarly, the extent of available course time for iterative processes affects whether students can progress from basic prototypes to detailed models or instead focus on one stage of the prototyping cycle.
Rubrics with level indication
Three rubrics have been developed for prototype education: Rapid prototyping (level 1; rough quick and inexpensive models), Lo-fi prototyping (level 2; conceptualization, rough prototypes, early-stage design validation)), and Hi-fi prototyping (level 3; detailed design, usability testing and final validation).
For all three rubrics there is an example student project, and how the rubric could be interpreted when that project would be assessed. The example rubrics provide feed forward for the project (how to take the design to the next level). Teachers can use these rubrics 1:1 or take parts and use these as inspiration for their courses.
Rubric Prototype instruction
Rubric Prototype in education
Level 1: Key elements of Rapid Prototyping: Level 2: Key elements of Low-Fidelity Prototyping: Level 3: Key elements of High-Fidelity Prototyping: How to choose between Hi-fi or Low-fi? When deciding whether to use a low-fidelity (Lo-fi) or high-fidelity (Hi-fi) prototype, consider your design goals and the level of your target group. A comparative study by Walker et al. (2002) found that both Lo-fi and Hi-fi prototypes are equally effective in identifying usability issues. Lo-fi prototypes are quick and inexpensive to produce, making them ideal for early-stage exploration, brainstorming, and gathering rapid feedback. They allow for flexible iteration without significant investment. Hi-fi prototypes, on the other hand, closely resemble the final product in look and interaction. They are better suited for testing detailed user interactions, evaluating aesthetics, and presenting to stakeholders who may need a clearer picture of the end result. In short, choose the level of fidelity that best supports your current design questions and constraints.
Support:
If needed, the teachers in Lili’s Proto Lab (LPL) can think along with you on your final project requirements. If you want to make use of LPL during your course, go to ‘get started’ and fill out a course or project application form on the website.
You are free to share and adapt, if you give appropriate credit and use it non-commercially. More on Creative Commons