If your idea feels too big to build, the problem may not be the idea. It may be the prototype you have in mind. Many first-time inventors picture a single model that has to look finished, work perfectly, and feel right before anything gets tested. That's too much to ask of a first attempt.

On this episode of P Word, Jessica O. Matthews breaks down the three types of prototypes and what each one is for. A looks-like prototype tests appearance, a works-like prototype tests function, and a feels-like prototype tests the real experience of using it. Through surprisingly relatable examples, Jessica shows how each test can run on its own, often with things you already own, and why something can pass one test and still fail another. Separate the questions, and one overwhelming project becomes a series of small tests you can start now.

Topics covered:

• What looks-like, works-like, and feels-like prototypes are and when to use each
• How to test an idea with materials you already have
• Why giving each prototype one job makes building less overwhelming

CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction
(00:30) The textbook definitions of each prototype
(01:57) The looks-like prototype
(02:32) The works-like prototype
(03:18) Testing with what you already own
(03:54) The feels-like prototype
(04:15) Running all three tests on a second example
(06:54) Why one prototype can't do everything
(07:20) Breaking your idea into small tests

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