Assignment: Prototype
Instructions
Goals
Prototype a solution to your challenge question. Compare and contrast prototypes made by Al and those made by hand.
● Create two versions of your prototype
○ Version one: Use artificial intelligence, Al.
○ Version two: Created by hand. (Do not use Al.)
● Describe your prototype and your process
● More details below.
Good to know
● You'll share your prototype with your classmates. Make something you're proud to share!
● There isn't a template for this assignment.
● Assignments get automatic O.Os if:
○ They are not clearly based on the class topic
○ Al is used for part two. Using Al for part two may also result in an academic dishonesty report. Some suggested programs, like Canva, have embedded Al options. Your work must be your own. Review the examples and the lecture for more details.
● Your work may be used for a research project. Add a note in the comment section of D2L if you do not want your work shared for educational or research purposes.
Examples:
Review examples from past CAS 110 students and topics. Remember, your assignment/topic/requirements might be very different!
● Amanda Mudry - Digital Mood Journal
● Faith Stewart - Community Crafting Workspace
What you need to do - three parts
● Part one: Use artificial intelligence. Create a quick prototype of your idea.
○ Open an Al image generator; I recommend Microsoft Copilot, which is free for MSU students.
■ Note: Be aware of free trials and only register for Al services that meet your needs.
○ Create and add one Al-generated image to your assignment. Don't spend more than five minutes using Al.
○ State what service you used to create your Al image.
● Part two: Create a prototype by hand (Don't use Al) - Review the lecture for examples
○ Construction - Your work must be your own. Build something! A prototype should be detailed enough to communicate your idea.
■ Estimate spending about an hour building your prototype. Prototypes could be:
■ Storyboards with illustrations
■ Role-playing: photographs or a video of people demonstrating your idea
■ Diagrams of the components that make up your idea
■ Advertisements
■ 2-D or 3-D mock-up
■ Presentations
■ A model... And more!
■ Build a prototype by hand. Use the free digital tools below or something you're familiar with. Note: Some suggested tools embed Al options. Do not use Al to complete your prototype. Review the examples and the lecture for more details.
■ Canva: templates for graphic design and layout
■ Piktochart: templates with editable graphics
■ Blush: customizable illustrations
■ Glide: turn a Google Sheet into an app
■ Easel.ly: infographic/design templates
○ Document your prototype from multiple angles or highlight different features. Show at least three distinct areas.
■ For example:
■ If you make a poster for a class, remix it as an Instagram ad and show how you might advertise it in a new way.
■ If you make a physical prototype, take photos of your work in progress, an overall image and a detail.
○ Do not use Al for part two. The entire assignment receives a 0.0 if A.l. is used in part two.
○ Submit your work as a video, presentation or document with images. Select the format that fits your needs.
○ Review the rubric for additional details on how your work is assessed.
● Part three: Describe your prototype and your process
○ Respond to the following prompts in a video or writing. Use at least 400 words to answer the following questions. (For example, you could write a 80-word response to each question.)
■ State your challenge question. (It starts with, "How might we ...?")
■ What did you make? (Describe your prototype)
■ How does your prototype address the class topic? Be specific. (Remember, assignments that are not ontopic receive an automatic 0.0.)
■ How did you make it? (What tools/materials did you use?)
■ Compare and contrast the differences between prototyping by hand and using Al. (How did constructing a prototype change how you think about your idea? Tell us a specific story about your process or your thinking. Consider using CAS 110 key terms and concepts
Recap: Assignment checklist
1. Part one: Include one Al-generated image of your prototype
○ State what service you used.
2. Part two: Create a prototype by hand (Don't use Al!)
○ Include at least three different areas (document these areas with photos, videos, multiple slides, etc.)
3. Part three: Write about your prototype and your process
○ Follow the prompts in your assignment description.