What can we learn from outstanding designers? The relationship between design expertise and prototyping

Abstract

This paper contributes with insights regarding design expertise and prototyping. Seven high performers – Outstanding Designers – were interviewed to learn about their prototyping activities. The Outstanding Designers emphasised prototyping for reflection, gaining certainty, and cooperating with clients. They expressed a strong attachment regarding the use of prototyping that results in specific routines. We call this behaviour the Outstanding Designers’ bonding with prototyping. The main insights were synthesised into a model outlining the relation between design expertise and prototyping.