Prototyping is a technique that can help us to learn by making small, intelligent experiments in real-world contexts.

Prototyping takes small risks and invites micro-failures as a way to learn, and to make smart and informed decisions when it comes time to scale a solution. In SLab practice, a prototype should be a fractal of a larger, systemic intervention in the whole system even though it is intervening in a small part. This collection includes techniques useful in public sector contexts, where prototypes can take many different forms beyond objects and service improvements.

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The Observation + Action Research worksheets, and the Developmental Evaluation Canvas, can be helpful tools in documenting and evaluating what you are learning as you prototype.