In innovation, experimentation is much talked about in the abstract, but poorly understood in practice. It bridges solution generation and implementation, yet often takes the form of smaller-scale pilots rather than learning-oriented experiments. Building an evidence base behind new ideas, and particularly being ready to discard what doesn’t work, is critical for successful innovation. This technical note provides a hands-on, step-by-step guide and templates to lead students in any discipline through a structured process for the design of experiments, from what it takes to frame testable ideas all the way through to choosing the best experimental design and prototype.