Rapid Prototyping Google Glass

It's tempting to think that the prototyping for a project such as Google Glass would have been a complex, lengthy process lasting months if not years but this short, charming talk from Tom Chi (experience designer in the Google X team) gives a fascinating insight into how their process of creation was greatly accelerated through rapid prototyping. The first prototype was built in an hour using coat hangers, a tiny projector and a piece of plexiglass. Subsequent prototypes took even less time and used materials as diverse as paper, clay, modelling wire, chopsticks and hairbands. From these models they were able to glean useful insights into the social awkwardness of gesture controls which led to them dropping fetaures which had been thought integral. As Chi says, “Doing is the best kind of thinking”. Fascinating.

HT Tom Uglow

Comments

[Andy]

Love it.
One of the things that is evident here, but not explicitly mentioned is how this kind of lo-fi prototyping adds a sense of playfulness and charm to sessions like these.
I.e. It's not just about getting to an experience quickly, but also doing so in ways that are enchanting and therefore get the whole team motivated and in a collaborative mood. A beautiful side effect. And a good way to sever people from cold, digital tools.

[neilperkin]

Nice point Andy.