Funky Prototype

Purpose

The Funky Prototype sits between the safe concept and the dark horse. It takes the most exciting, rule-breaking elements from the team’s wildest idea and grounds them in practical reality. The result is a concept that feels innovative yet achievable — often the sweet spot that neither extreme would reach alone.

At a glance

• Group size: 3–8
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Facilitation style: Guided synthesis and making
• Setting: Workshop table with prototyping materials

How to run

1. Review the landscape (5 min): Lay out the safe concept(s) and the dark horse side by side. List the strengths of each.
2. Cherry-pick (5 min): From the dark horse, identify 2–3 elements that are genuinely exciting. From the safe concept, identify the non-negotiable constraints.
3. Mash up (15 min): Build a prototype that combines the exciting dark horse elements with the safe concept’s structure. This is the funky prototype.
4. Present and evaluate (5 min): Share with the team. Ask: "Is this more exciting than the safe concept? More feasible than the dark horse? What’s the one thing that makes this special?"

Materials needed

• Dark horse and safe concept documentation
• Prototyping materials (paper, markers, craft supplies)
• Sticky notes for element lists

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Too close to the safe concept: If the funky prototype doesn’t feel different, you haven’t taken enough from the dark horse.
• Too close to the dark horse: If it’s still impractical, you haven’t grounded it enough.
• Skipping the dark horse step: Without a genuine dark horse to draw from, the funky prototype is just iteration on the safe concept.
• Compromise instead of synthesis: The funky prototype should be a creative blend, not a watered-down average.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Allow verbal and written descriptions alongside physical prototypes.
• Ensure all team members can contribute elements from both concepts.
• Frame this as creative play, lowering pressure for a "right answer."

Variations

• Multiple funky prototypes: Each sub-team creates a different blend; compare the results.
• User-tested funky prototype: Immediately test the funky prototype with a user to get fast feedback.
• Funky storyboard: Instead of building, draw a storyboard that illustrates the hybrid experience.

When NOT to use this

• When the team has not first created a genuine dark horse — the exercise depends on having extremes to blend.
• When the project is too early for prototyping and still needs problem framing.
• When time only allows for one prototype round — prioritise the concept with the most unknowns.

Source & further reading

• HPI d.school, Potsdam — Funky Prototype methodology
• Lewrick, Link & Leifer — *The Design Thinking Playbook* (Wiley, 2018)
• Plattner, Meinel & Leifer — *Design Thinking Research* (Springer, various editions)