Visualise your idea. The aim in this phase is for the group to work on 2 or 3 selected ideas from the previous phase. However, the name of this phase indicates that these are test objects. Therefore, the prototypes should not be worked out in such a way that the makers can no longer distance themselves from their idea, but the prototype should be worked out in sufficient detail that it can be tested and that the target group can provide feedback.
The eventual solution must be focused on the needs of the target group, so it must be possible to have it tested by the target group. It must also be possible to adjust the prototype based on the feedback from the target group and later insights. This requires a realistic model, which no one is too attached to yet.
The concept should be worked out in such a way that it can be tested. A physical form of the potential solution can certainly have added value. If a physical or visual representation of the prototype is not possible for technical reasons, then another visual solution can be sought or the idea can be described in detail. In this case, it is essential that this description is so accurate that the target group can get a realistic impression of the product and can also provide targeted feedback. A prototype that has not been worked out in sufficient detail makes it much more difficult to provide good feedback and achieve a suitable result.
Based on the empathise phase, 2 or 3 options (or combinations of options) are selected from the list of ideas. The group should now produce a model, sketch or exact description of this idea. In the case of the gift for the friend: a description of what the day will look like, who is going, where they are going, how they are getting there, what it will cost everyone (only if others are contributing), what needs to be organised, etc. This can then be worked out for 2 or 3 ideas that the group deems suitable.
If they do not succeed in working this out in detail, they can always return to the ideate phase to get inspiration from other ideas. They can even go back one or more steps further: to the define or empathise phase.
Inspired by the possibilities that ESA's new Sentinel satellites offer, an international group of students aged 14 and 15 has devised solutions for acute world problems based on the use of data from those satellites. Here is an example of a group that has designed a program (which they called Modis) that can predict how the ice caps melt and how the weather can behave in certain parts of the world. The group has worked out the program step by step. Below in the photo a few steps are shown. By formulating the steps precisely, good, positively critical feedback is possible and the pupils can learn a lot from them.
The group has developed and visualized a number of steps such as:
measure the amount of snow
get the data from the ground measurements; combine them
use automatic algorithms to predict the weather
inform local authorities when some places are in danger
.......
Think of ideas that do not exist yet
Don't fall in love with your prototype!
Carry on looking after the first good idea