Last time the CoCreation team met with the fellows in Wolfville, they turned their How Might We questions into prototypes (check out previous post on what we did two weeks ago)
When they left prototyping session one, they took their prototype(s) and tested it with end users. The feedback they received was to assist them in making necessary adaptations before going into the second prototyping session in two weeks.
The CoCreation team planned a day for the teams to work on anything they hadn’t previously finished, straying from a strict schedule that may not provide the most value to groups. With fellows living across the province and limited time to meet as a group, the teams benefit from having dedicated time to work on what they couldn’t during their time apart.
The goal for this session was to make the necessary modifications to their prototype and have a presentation prepared for guests at the end of the day.
The day had four main components to be covered:
Part One: Where are we at?
Once everyone arrived, the CoCreation team led a process to each share what we were thinking and feeling about our learning journey thus far. We all became aware that each others feelings and thoughts as they related to others in group.
Once the main themes were voiced, the CoCreation team took time to review What and Why of NS GovLab. They explained that the lab is a learning process, there is no pressure to create a finished idea, it isn’t a competition, and there are no winners and losers.
As we went into break, fellows were given the opportunity to self-reflect. They were asked to focus on reflections from what they heard that morning as well as what their team needed moving forward.
Part Two: DIY Prototyping
Prototyping took up most of this session. Each group was at a different stage and found it useful taking time to continue working.
Teams were encouraged to regroup and discuss what they learned from user feedback. Since fellows were testing in different areas of the province, they were asked to share the feedback they each received. Then they were given the opportunity to incorporate that feedback to adjust their prototype during the hours of prototyping.
Teams were encouraged to call on the CoCreation team for anything they needed. Resources, such as user profiles and archetypes were offered, as well as storyboards, prototyping materials and resources on a variety of methods that they could use. The CoCreation team spent this time working on their own prototype to see what they could build.
At the end of DIY Prototyping, teams were asked to have a completed template to use as a guide for presenting their prototype to tour guests. This template can be seen here.
Part Three: Getting feedback on prototypes
Shortly after lunch, invited guests arrived eager to see four prototypes. These guests are active in the aging community, government, and social innovation.
The feedback process was not meant to be a dialogue between the fellows and the guests. Minimal dialogue increased the opportunity for assumptions the fellows had to be tested. During this feedback, fellows were to learn about their prototype rather than to sell to guests.
Guests to provide feedback on the prototypes that included:
- What is clear and unclear
- What is good/problematic
- I like…, I wish…, I wonder…
This provided fellows new ways of thinking and certainty or uncertainty on their prototype.
Guests were pleased that intergenerational strategies were being applied with the prototypes. Fellows were encouraged to continue to push their limits with the current prototypes and thinking and get out of their comfort zones.
One guest provided advice for the fellows, “fall in love with the problem, not the solution.”
Part Four: Regroup, discussion, and closing of the day
Once the guests left, the groups got back together to discuss feedback and changes they could apply to refine their prototype. It was a consensus that feedback was beneficial and would be incorporated before further testing with end users. For instance, some fellows shared that they became aware of assumptions that need to be addressed before further testing.
The day closed with a group discussion about next steps and then finally with a one word check out to express their feelings after the day’s session.
There was a range of feelings that fellows expressed at the end of the day that included: curious, not good, excited, and invigorated.
Epilogue: What happens next
Teams are making alterations to their prototype from feedback and will then test with end users again. Fellows will be testing throughout the province and providing insights to their team members.
When we meet with the fellows again in a couple of weeks, fellows will be reflecting on the learnings over the past few months with NS GovLab and preparing for the end of the immersive Prototyping Phase of their fellowship.
Stay tuned for posts coming from NS GovLab fellows over the next few weeks.
Keep up-to-date on Medium and Twitter (@NSGovLab).
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