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  1. UX Strategy Kit
  2. Methods
  3. Dark Horse Prototyping
beginnerideate
Dark Horse PrototypingDevelop innovations, by going new and previously unexplored ways.
40 – 75 min2+ Participantsworkshopsolocreative
+6
Summary
The Dark Horse method is based on a belief in the horse racing business. More precisely, it is about a horse that is unknown or mostly in the background and whose chances of winning are therefore considered very low. However, no one suspects the horse's potential, which is why its victory would make the greatest profit. With the help of this method, outstanding and particularly innovative or creative ideas are developed, which at the same time can also be very risky or difficult and expensive to implement.
Step-by-step
  1. During the Brainstorming process, very novel, daring, provocative or “crazy” ideas often emerge, which usually receive little attention. The Dark Horse method takes these ideas and explores them further. Because sometimes the craziest ideas are disregarded treasures.
  2. In the team, these crazy ideas are recalled and briefly discussed. Afterwards a selection of these ideas is made, which are converted into simple, fast prototypes. The prototype can be created from any materials that can be found. It is not about how realistic or appealing the result is.
  3. During the process, the creativity of the entire team is stimulated, which in turn leads to new ideas and insights. The prototypes are presented after creation and jointly examined for strengths, potential, weaknesses and risks. The goal should never be lost sight of.
  4. Taking an unconventional path can be risky and terrifying. But at the same time, it can lead to great success. If new ideas emerged during the creation and reflection of the crazy ideas, or if existing ones were found to be useful, then these should be further developed. If instead the crazy ideas were all found to be not useful, then the method should have at least helped in thinking bigger and more creatively as the process continued.
What you need
  • Craft materials: pens, tape, furniture, cardboard, etc.
Do you have a question?
These methods might seem simple, but applying them in a real project is another story. We’re there to help. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at the User Experience Strategy & Design team.
Ask Away!
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