The document outlines 7 principles of prototyping provided by Todd Zaki Warfel, a principal designer and researcher based in Philadelphia. The principles are: know your audience and intent; plan a little but prototype the rest; you can draw prototypes; prototypes do not need to be perfect works of art; fake elements if you cannot create them; only prototype necessary aspects; and reduce risk by prototyping early and often.

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7 Principles of Prototyping
Refresh DC
Todd Zaki Warfel
Principal Designer Researcher

2. Philadelphia, PA // (215) 825-7423 // inquire@messagefirst.com
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3. Philadelphia, PA // (215) 825-7423 // inquire@messagefirst.com
7 Guiding Principles

4. 1Know your audience and
intent.

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Design Sales CEO

6. 2Plan a little. Prototype
the rest.

7. 3You can draw.

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9. 4It’s a prototype—not the
Mona Lisa.

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11. 5If you can’t make it—
fake it.

12. 6Prototype only what you
need.

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14. 7Reduce risk. Prototype
early and often.

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Practical Prototyping
rosenfeldmedia.com/books/prototyping/
toddwarfel.com
Todd Zaki Warfel
Principal Designer Researcher