Rubric

Prototype Evaluation Rubric

An interactive, scored rubric to evaluate prototypes against criteria such as learning rate, required fidelity, build cost, deployment risk, and customer reaction. Collects structured evaluations, stores results, and provides clear, practical guidance for deciding whether to iterate, pivot, scale, or retire a prototype.

Interactive Tool

Prototype Evaluation Rubric

This rubric helps teams make objective, evidence-focused decisions about what to do next with a prototype. Use the scales to rate each criterion (1 = lowest / easiest / least valuable, 5 = highest / hardest / most valuable) based on current observations and data. After submitting, sum the five numeric scales to produce a total score (range 5–25). The rubric includes a suggested interpretation and next-step guidance, which are heuristics to support discussion rather than rules.

Scoring interpretation (heuristic)

5–9 (Low): Prototype yields little validated learning or too many constraints; typically iterate with cheaper experiments, reframe assumptions, or retire.
10–14 (Moderate): Some useful learning but remaining uncertainty; run targeted follow-ups to reduce key risks before committing to scale.
15–19 (Strong): Solid learning and promising customer reaction; consider hardening the most valuable elements and preparing to scale cautiously.
20–25 (Very Strong): High learning, strong customer reaction, acceptable cost and risk — evaluate operationalization, compliance, and go-to-market readiness for scaling.

For each evaluation, capture brief observations and a recommended next step to make decisions transparent and repeatable.

Prototype name / ID

A short name so the evaluation is easy to find later.

Date

YYYY-MM-DD (or freeform).

Learnings per hour (how quickly does the prototype generate useful learning?)

1 = generates almost no useful evidence; 5 = produces rapid, high-quality validated learning.

1.0 10.0

Fidelity required (how much fidelity is needed to answer the question?)

1 = low-fidelity (paper/clickable mock) sufficient; 5 = high-fidelity or production-like needed.

1.0 10.0

Cost to build (relative effort and resources required)

1 = very low cost; 5 = very expensive or time-consuming.

1.0 10.0

Deployment risk (operational, safety, legal, data/privacy risks)

1 = minimal risk; 5 = high regulatory/operational risk requiring expert review before any field testing.

1.0 10.0

Customer reaction (observed desirability / behavioral signal)

1 = negative or indifferent; 5 = strong positive signal and clear value demonstration.

1.0 10.0

Key observations and evidence

Describe what you observed, sample quotes, metrics, screenshots, or links to recordings. Keep it factual and concise.

Recommended next step

Choose the most appropriate recommendation for now.

Evaluator name / role

Who completed this evaluation?

Suggested action items

Short list of next actions, owners, or experiments to run next.

You can explore this tool now. Sign in or create an account to save your responses and return to them later.

Make this tool part of your work

Save a personal copy, bring it to your team, or tailor the questions and workflow to fit what you are hungry to improve.

Member customization and team collaboration are coming soon.

Discuss Ask the Librarian

Discussion

Comments and conversation will live here.

Prototype Evaluation Rubric