In the prototyping phase, you turn your validated idea into a simple version of your solution and start gathering real feedback from your target audience. Here, you’ll learn how to build a functional prototype, and how to start measuring your impact early using one key metric.
This section is for you if …
- you’re planning to found an impact startup or are already deep into it with your team.
- you have a clear understanding of your target group.
- you can clearly define the problem, your solution, and the impact you aim to create.
- you have the resources to build a prototype.
Not quite there yet?
Check out the section that fits your current stage
This section will help you …
- develop a working prototype.
- identify your one metric that matters (OMTM) for early-stage impact measurement.
This chapter focuses on the people who benefit from your solution. In other words, the focus here is on making your solution more effective and socially relevant .
We cover the business and financial aspects in a different section.
Build a simple prototype
For your first prototype, focus on the core functions that solve the main problem your target group is facing. Here’s how to get started:
1. Identify the most important functions
Figure out which core functions are essential to solving the main issue facing your target group. This might include specific services like one-on-one support, the core content of a workshop, or tangible tools within a particular project
2. Start with the simplest version of your solution
Begin with the most basic version of your solution and build from there. It doesn’t need to be perfect or polished – just a rough draft that shows how your solution could work . This is your low fidelity prototype. Here are some common examples:
- Landing page: Create a simple website to showcase your solution. If possible, include calls-to-action that test users can click – and set up conversion tracking to measure how they respond.
- Physical products: Use basic materials like paper, cardboard, or LEGO to bring your idea to life. Test it with your group (e.g., through focus groups) and gather their feedback.
- Software: Build wireframes or clickable mockups. Let people interact with them and observe their behavior.
- Services: Use simple formats like role-playing or visual mockups to illustrate your concept. A service blueprint can help map out key processes, touchpoints with your target group , and intended impact. Tools like Miro, Mural, Canva, or Figma are great for visualizing this. Watch how people engage with your mock service and take notes on their reactions.
Find your key metric for early-stage impact (Impact Ladder – Level 5)
At this point, it’s important that you’ve already created an Impact Ladder for your project. If you haven’t done that yet, it’s best to do so now. We provide a step-by-step guide to building such a ladder in the chapter: “Solution design: Creating a solution that drives real impact.”
1. Focus on outcomes
Choose a metric that sits at level 5 of your Impact Ladder and directly reflects measurable progress toward your main goal. In addition to this impact metric, the next step is to measure how appealing and useful your solution is. You’ll find more on that in the chapter “Prototype in real-world testing: Collect feedback and measure impact.”
Why level 5?
- Direct impact: Level 5 reflects changes in behavior – clear, measurable outcomes driven by your prototype.
- Meaningful results: It shows concrete changes but is still short-term enough to be realistic for a prototype, unlike level 6, which is often too long-term.
- Faster feedback loop: Changes at level 5 are easier to track quickly, which is crucial when iterating on a prototype.
- Relevance for stakeholders: Behavioral change is often more compelling to funders and partners than just output numbers..
Examples of level 5 indicators:
- Frequency and quality of actions by the target group that reflect behavior change
- Number of participants applying new skills in their daily lives
- Shifts in the target group’s purchasing habits after an intervention
- Use of preferred communication channels after training
- Changes in online behavior, like increased interaction with specific digital content or platforms
2. Use SMART criteria
Define your one metric that matters (OMTM) using the SMART framework.
- Specific: Clearly defined and unambiguous
- Measurable: Quantifiable
- Achievable: Realistic given your current resources
- Relevant: Aligned with your broader objectives
- Time-bound: Set within a clear timeframe (two to four months).
3. Prepare to track your key metric
Set up a system to measure your key metric accurately and consistently. Start by defining a baseline – this is your reference point for comparing results before and after your intervention (e.g., number of people aware of the importance of healthy eating or equipped with stress resilience skills). Ideally, use official statistics to establish your baseline. Avoid relying on self-assessments alone, as that could increase the risk of impact washing.
Set clear target values so you can track exactly how much progress you’re making during the prototyping phase. And remember: being impact-driven is an iterative process. You’ll need to make adjustments and keep learning as you go!!
Next chapter: Gathering feedback
You did it! You’ve built your first prototype and defined the key metrics for an initial impact assessment.
In the next chapter, you’ll test both by gathering feedback from your target group and collecting initial outcome data. This will help you spot what needs improving.