Prototyping Something I Actually Needed: A DIY Card Holder
Prototyping doesn’t always have to be about complex mechanisms or perfectly rendered 3D models. Sometimes, it’s about solving a real problem in a clever, quick, and personal way. That’s exactly what I did when I created my first low-fidelity prototype: a custom card holder made from an old makeup bag.
The Problem
Like many people living in student housing, I rely on an access card to enter my dorm. The problem? I kept forgetting it or misplacing it. I wanted something that made it easier to carry my card—something I could simply wear around my neck, so I’d always have it on me. And if it could look nice too, even better.
The Prototype
To create the card holder, I used what I had at home. The back piece is cut from a light blue plastic makeup bag—a resin-type material I chose specifically because it’s semi-rigid, waterproof, and still allows a card chip to be read through it.
For the front, I used the transparent part of the bag, which features small printed illustrations of people swimming. I loved how it looked—playful, bright, and just a little bit surreal. It added a fun visual layer to something that could easily be purely utilitarian.
To make the card holder wearable, I punched two holes and tied a pink ribbon I found among my accessories. It’s soft, slightly shiny, and gives the piece a gentle, decorative touch.
User Testing (aka Class Feedback)
We had a feedback session in class, and it was both helpful and encouraging. First of all, everyone immediately recognized what the prototype was and how it worked. That kind of clarity is important in prototyping—if people “get it” without explanation, you’re already off to a good start.
One important point that came up was the strap. While the ribbon looks nice, it’s a bit too short, making it awkward to reach the door reader. A longer or adjustable strap would make it more practical.
On the material side, my classmates liked that the card doesn’t need to be removed to be scanned. The plastic is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Someone even mentioned that it could be worn while swimming—imagine you’re staying in a hotel by the beach and don’t want to carry anything. You could just wear your room card like this around your neck. Surprisingly useful.
And then there was the design. People really appreciated the look—the little swimmers, the color combo, the ribbon. One person said it perfectly matched my vibe. That made me think: what if this card holder could be customizable? Different prints, colors, or strap styles for different personalities.
Final Thoughts
This was a super simple prototype, but it taught me a lot. It didn’t take long to make, it solved a small but real problem, and I’ve been using it every day since. I even hang it by the door now, so I never forget it again.
What started as a class assignment ended up becoming something personal, practical, and pretty stylish. That’s the kind of prototyping I love: solving real needs in a way that feels truly you.
