VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 4
permanent. As a result, they faced a challenge with prototyping different tactile
marking configurations directly on a single control panel. The solution that the
team developed was to create cardboard overlays that fit over the control panel of
the stove. This way, Miranda and the team create and evaluate multiple prototypes.
At this stage, the team brainstorms possible tactile marker layouts to represent the
heat setting labels on the control panel dials.
Prototype
The fourth stage in the Design Thinking framework is to generate prototypes
by creating tangible representations of ideas from the previous stage. The design
team gets to work creating the individual prototype overlays. For example, one
prototype indicated each heat level with an individual bump dot sticker with two
bump dots at the "Off" position.
Test
Next, the team needed to test their prototype overlays. Each was affixed to
the control panel of the stove and Miranda had the opportunity to use each to turn
on the stovetop element, adjust the temperature, and turn off the element. Using
her independent living skills, Miranda even prepared a few grilled cheese
sandwiches for the team. Her teammates asked for her feedback on each overlay –
what was easy to use, what was confusing, etc. Miranda engaged her social
