Finding the Next Iteration

I often say that the best product yields from the second, third, or even fourth iteration. This means not sticking with the first idea you get—or at least not the first version of that idea.

So, once you have an idea – how do you iterate?

As you work on your idea, it’s important to get validation of that idea. You can do that by working with your prototype, testing the ideas with others getting feedback, and running your idea through various prompts or perspectives to see what shows up.

Prototype
Whether it’s a super rough prototype or a more polished one, using it will give you feedback.

Does it work as you expected it to?

What do you notice as you work with it?

How could it work better?

Is there too much of something or not enough of something?

Take the feedback and head back to the drawing board. There may be a new iteration coming.

Testing your idea
Your prototype allows you to have others engage with your product. Gather a few clients to use the product and pay attention to their responses.

Do they have questions?

Was it easy for them to understand?

Did they get the results you expected?

Are they excited to engage?

Take the feedback and head back to the drawing board. There may be a new iteration coming.

Prompts and perspectives
It’s easy to get attached to our product looking or behaving in a specific way. Prompts and perspectives can give you new ways to look at it. Here are a few examples.

S.C.A.M.P.E.R. is a great tool to use – each letter stands for new ways to explore your idea. For example:

S is for substitute – what element or process could you substitute with something else?

M is for minimize or maximize
What if your product was smaller?
What if the audience was smaller and very specific?
What if the product were cut in half?
What if the product were bigger? What if it was not contained in it’s current shape or form?
What if it could be easily accessed globally?

Mindmap & Metaphors
Start with a metaphor and mindmap associations that come to mind. These types of exercises can shake things loose in your thinking.

If my product were a spider? Mindmap all the aspects related to spider as a metaphor

If my product were a symphony? Mindmap everything that comes to mind.

If my product was a travel adventure? Mindmap everything that comes to mind

Take any new ideas showing up and head back to the drawing board. There may be a new iteration coming.

My final words are, don’t settle for the first idea that comes – more and better are sure to follow.