Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course

This course guides you through the process of turning ideas into tangible solutions. You will learn to design fast, effective prototypes, from early sketches to working mock-ups, to validate your hypotheses and reduce the risk of launching products or services that fail. You will master testing techniques with real users, gathering valuable feedback that lets you iterate and refine your prototypes until you reach the best possible version, so you can innovate with confidence and build solutions that genuinely solve problems.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

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About the program

What is the Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course?

This short course teaches you to use prototypes and experiments as tools for learning rather than as finished products. You will study the differences between an idea, a sketch, a mock-up, an MVP, a pilot and a final product, the types of prototype from low to high fidelity, rapid digital and physical build methods, service prototyping through role play and customer journeys, how to formulate innovation hypotheses, design usability, functional and exploratory tests, define learning metrics and record evidence, and how to decide whether to pivot, persevere, pause or drop an idea.

What sets this course apart: a practical approach in which you build and test real prototypes throughout the program; the application of Lean Startup and Design Thinking to reduce uncertainty step by step; testing sessions with users and structured analysis of their results; digital prototyping and design tools, with free alternatives where needed; techniques that work for products, services, technology and business models in any sector, including the maritime one; and a final project in which you take an innovation challenge from initial assumptions to an evidence-based decision.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Prototype types: low, medium and high fidelity, functional, visual, digital and physical.
  • Rapid build methods: sketches, wireframes, storyboards, mock-ups, 3D printing and electronics kits.
  • Service prototyping through role play, customer journeys and process simulation.
  • Innovation hypotheses, test design, user selection and learning metrics.
  • Evidence-based decisions: iterate, pivot, persevere, pause or discard an idea.
  • Final project: an innovation challenge prototyped, tested with users and evaluated.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of prototyping, applied innovation and early validation of ideas

  • 1.1. The concept of a prototype and the differences between an idea, sketch, mock-up, MVP, pilot and final product
  • 1.2. The role of prototyping in innovation processes, product and service design, technology and business models
  • 1.3. Types of prototype: low fidelity, medium fidelity, high fidelity, functional, visual, digital and physical
  • 1.4. The relationship between hypotheses, uncertainty, learning, experimentation and risk reduction in innovation
  • 1.5. Common prototyping mistakes: perfectionism, lack of focus, late testing and absence of metrics
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Prototype design, tools and rapid build methods

  • 2.1. Defining the prototype's purpose according to the problem, user, functionality, experience or technical feasibility
  • 2.2. Sketching, wireframes, storyboards, mock-ups, flow diagrams and early visual representations
  • 2.3. Digital tools for prototyping apps, websites, services, connected products and interactive experiences
  • 2.4. Rapid fabrication, 3D printing, cutting, basic assembly, electronics kits and accessible materials for physical prototypes
  • 2.5. Service prototypes through role play, customer journeys, process simulation and experience testing
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Test design, hypotheses, metrics and experimentation with users

  • 3.1. Formulating innovation hypotheses about the problem, solution, user, market, technology and willingness to pay
  • 3.2. Designing exploratory tests, usability tests, functional tests, interviews, surveys and controlled experiments
  • 3.3. Selecting users, test profiles, scenarios, tasks, scripts and observation criteria
  • 3.4. Defining learning metrics: understanding, interest, usefulness, ease of use, conversion, satisfaction and errors
  • 3.5. Recording results, qualitative evidence, quantitative data, feedback and behavior patterns
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Iteration, prototype improvement and innovation decision-making

  • 4.1. Analyzing test results and the differences between opinion, evidence, weak signals and validated learning
  • 4.2. Prioritizing improvements by impact, effort, risk, urgency and alignment with project goals
  • 4.3. Iterating prototypes through changes in design, functionality, message, flow, materials or experience
  • 4.4. Deciding to pivot, persevere, pause or discard an idea based on the evidence obtained
  • 4.5. Communicating what has been learned to the team, stakeholders, internal clients or investors
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Applied project: prototyping and innovation testing

  • 5.1. Defining the innovation challenge, the problem to solve, the target user and the opportunity identified
  • 5.2. Formulating hypotheses, success criteria, learning metrics and an experimentation plan
  • 5.3. Designing and building the initial prototype with physical, digital or service tools
  • 5.4. Running tests with users and gathering feedback, observations and relevant data
  • 5.5. Iterating the prototype, evaluating results and defining the project's final decision
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course

It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
6
months to finish
25 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course

01Validate critical hypotheses about the problem, the solution, the user and the market through well-designed experiments before committing significant resources.
02Iterate rapidly on solutions, prioritizing experimentation and continuous learning so that each version of the prototype responds better to what users actually need.
03Minimize the risk of failure by detecting usability, value and feasibility problems early, when they are still cheap to fix.
04Foster continuous learning in innovation teams, recording evidence, sharing findings and turning results into clear decisions.
05Assess technical feasibility by analyzing specifications, sketches, mock-ups and tests to identify risks and propose efficient technical solutions.
06Speed up market entry by planning an efficient experimentation path from the first sketch to a validated concept ready for development.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course

01Prototype designercreating and developing functional prototypes in different sectors.
02Innovation testerevaluating and analyzing new products and services and identifying areas for improvement.
03Innovation consultantadvising companies on innovation processes and prototype design.
04Innovation project managerplanning and running prototype development and testing projects.
05UX/UI specialistdesigning the user experience and interface of digital prototypes.
06Entrepreneurdeveloping your own prototypes to launch new products or services.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Prototyping and Innovation Testing Course

To validate and refine ideas for products or services quickly and cheaply before large-scale development or launch, learning what works and what does not while changes are still easy to make.

A prototype is built to learn and test specific hypotheses, and can be as simple as a sketch or a role play. An MVP is the smallest version of a product that real customers can use and that tests whether there is genuine demand. Module 1 explains the full range from idea to final product.

No. The course works with low-fidelity methods such as sketches, storyboards and paper mock-ups as well as digital tools, so you can prototype without programming or advanced design skills.

Yes. Module 2 covers service prototyping through role play, customer journeys and process simulation, and the testing methods apply equally to products, services, digital tools and business models.

Module 4 shows you how to distinguish opinion from evidence, read weak signals and validated learning, and use clear criteria to decide whether to iterate, pivot, persevere, pause or discard an idea.

Through practical exercises in each module, the design and analysis of user tests, and a final project in which you take an innovation challenge from initial assumptions to prototype, testing and an evidence-based decision.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded, downloadable materials, discussion forums and tutorials with the teaching staff.

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied project. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at entrepreneurs and start-ups, product managers, UX/UI designers, engineers, innovation and development teams, marketing professionals and students who want to develop and test new ideas; basic knowledge of design, agile methods or project management is helpful but not essential.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection and basic prototyping software (free alternatives are suggested where needed).
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $172 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

Any questions?

Ask us before you enroll

Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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