Technology leaders carry a heavy load during digital transformation work. There’s a need to create the best odds for success, while lowering overall costs. And with an estimated 70-95% of digital transformation projects failing, Technology leaders are sure to be feeling frustrated when projects are not moving forward as planned.

70%-95% of digital transformations fail. (Forbes, 2022)

WHY READ THIS ARTICLE: 

• Transformation Leaders can learn 4 benefits of prototyping based on other Technology Leader experience.
• Technology and Delivery Directors can gain talking points for how to refresh internal projects facing churn. 
• Commercial, Product and UX leaders can connect the value of rapid prototyping with agile and design thinking best practices. 

Leadership commitment and alignment tends to be one of the common elements when projects stall out, or lose focus. In reviewing many of the transformation projects Tonic3 has delivered, prototyping is one of the must-have elements for success. View Tonic3 case studies here.

Why Prototyping is Key to Success in Technology Projects

Research shows most digital investments go over budget, even a 50% cost overrun isn’t uncommon. Everyone in financial services is looking to scale cost effectively, and over the years we've learned that blending two disciplines is key to making that happen: Design Thinking and Agile Development. While each approach has distinctives, these two disciplines complement each other  in profound ways to deliver both strategic and executional success.

Prototypes live at the corner of Design Thinking and Agile

Design Thinking and Agile methodologies both emphasize the importance of action. Design Thinking begins with rapid requirement gathering, research in efficient bursts, and iterative adjustments.

Agile methodology complements this with a focus on breaking down large projects into manageable Epics, Stories, and Sprints, all managed within a dynamic backlog.

Design Thinking and Agile methodologies both emphasize a posture of action: you don’t need all the information to move forward.  Get the structure in mind and then fill out the details as you go.  In Design Thinking, this means rapid requirement gathering, research in efficient bursts, and UX in iterative adjustments.  In Agile, this translates into Epics coming first, then Stories, then finally Sprints and backlogs.  The vocabulary changes, but that rhythm of input -> output -> action -> input -> output -> action is the heartbeat that gives life to modern enterprise technology teams.

Four Reasons Technology Leaders have adopted prototyping

1. Small money makes big money work

Investing in a prototype can significantly reduce the risk of costly mistakes. A prototype acts as a preliminary version of the final product, allowing for early testing and feedback. The Harvard Business Review highlights that “prototypes provide a way to test ideas and gather insights before committing to full-scale development, saving both time and money” (Meyer & Aghion, 2018).

By identifying and addressing potential issues early in the development process, you can refine your direction and avoid investing substantial resources into a flawed concept. This small upfront investment in prototyping can lead to substantial long-term savings by preventing costly errors later on. The most expensive thing to build is the wrong thing.

2. Seeing IS believing

Prototypes convert abstract concepts into concrete, interactive models. This transformation helps stakeholders visualize and interact with the idea, making it easier to provide feedback and make informed decisions. According to a study published in the Journal of Product Innovation Management, “prototypes act as a bridge between conceptual ideas and tangible products, facilitating clearer communication and alignment among team members” (Kroll & Hsu, 2019).

For instance, in digital product development, prototypes might include interactive wireframes or mockups that simulate user interactions. In physical product design, prototypes might be 3D-printed models that allow for hands-on evaluation. These tangible assets not only speed up decision-making but also ensure that everyone involved has a shared understanding of the project’s vision.

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3. Organizational direction crystalizes

Prototypes are essential for aligning teams across the organization. When executives, developers, and other team members can interact with a prototype, it fosters a shared understanding and direction. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, “Effective prototyping can align team members by providing a visual and functional reference point that guides discussions and decision-making” (McKinsey & Company, 2017).

This alignment is crucial for smooth project execution. It ensures all parties involved are on the same page, translating the project vision into actionable steps and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and misunderstandings.

4. Startup success, no matter your size

For startups, prototypes can be the deciding factor between securing funding and falling short. Investors are more likely to back a vision they can experience firsthand. A report by the Harvard Business School notes, “Prototypes provide investors with a tangible representation of the concept, increasing their confidence in the viability and potential success of the project” (Eisenmann, 2019).

Prototypes demonstrate you’re not just discussing possibilities but actively making them a reality. They offer a concrete way for investors and stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of your idea. In a competitive landscape where funding follows a clear and actionable vision, prototypes become a powerful tool to persuade investors and advance your startup.

The same principles hold true for enterprise transformation work, as well. Iterating creates action within the project teams, users and leadership, so all parties can see and feel the progress. Momentum is a powerful motivator for teams; and sometimes the hardest thing for leaders to harness on multi-year projects.

Look at how to incorporate prototyping into your 2025 budget

Ensure Tech project success by investing in prototypes

Let’s be honest, when you champion a project or idea, your bosses need to see progress; your peers need to catch the vision; and you need the teams working on this to be excited.

What if there was a way to accomplish ALL of that by being disciplined in one area? That one thing is building prototypes.

Prototyping is more than just a phase in the development process; it’s a fundamental element of successful enterprise technology projects. By investing in prototypes, you refine your ideas, align your team, and ensure your resources are used efficiently. At Tonic3, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of prototypes firsthand, and we advocate for their use in driving project success, they are a key catalyst to MOVE FORWARD.

Whether you’re steering a startup or managing a complex enterprise project, remember: Prototypes are crucial for turning abstract ideas into reality, avoiding costly pitfalls, and ensuring cohesive team alignment.

When you’re ready to transition from concept to creation, think of prototypes as your traction for action.  At Tonic3, we’re dedicated to helping businesses and individuals thrive by converting vision into reality, one prototype at a time.

Refresh your delivery approach. Put the customer at the center of your work and let's find a clear path to success, together. Request more information about prototyping, roadmaps, blueprints and more.