Prototyping
Prototyping is an essential element of an iterative design approach, where designs are created, evaluated, and refined until the desired usability, likeability, ... is achieved.
- Extremely simple sketches (low-fidelity prototypes)
- Detailed interactive systems that contain the major functions of the final system (high-fidelity prototypes)
- Allows early user input: prototyping makes it possible to involve users in a very early stage of the design process. Based on this user feedback, adaptations can be made and tested in an iterative way.
- Saves money and time: changes made in an early phase of the design process are less expensive and less time consuming than changes made later on, when the product is finished.
- Shows problems more clearly and fosters collaboration: in many cases, developers may not even be aware of problems with usability, flow and design until we actually show them what we had in mind. Discussing a prototype gets people talking that may have never talked in the past. It ensures an ongoing dialogue between the designers, the design, and the testing audience.
- Promotes design alternatives: working with prototypes encourages alternate designs which can be discussed with the team and tested with the users.