The document discusses the concept of prototyping in user experience design, defining it as a scenario-based simulation for experiencing aspects of a potential product. It outlines different types of prototypes, variations in fidelity, and the prototyping process, emphasizing the importance of early prototype testing and audience awareness. Additionally, it provides insights into when and who should prototype, along with references for further reading.

1. Introduction to
Prototyping
UX Meetup
September 1, 2011
Alexis Antonelli, User Experience Consultant

2. What is a prototype?
A scenario-based simulation that allows a person
to experience chosen aspects of a potential
product.
“Prototypes don’t have to be clever or sophisticated, so
long as you can be when you present or test them.”
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3. Why prototype?
Because the only constant is change
The earlier in the process you make
changes, the better
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4. What’s the difference between sketches,
wireframes, and prototypes?
 Paper isn’t necessarily a wireframe and
clickable screens aren’t necessarily a prototype
 It’s about process and purpose
 It helps to use verbs:
 Sketching or Wireframing: brainstorming,
ideating, mocking up, laying out, documenting
 Prototyping: Modeling, simulating, demonstrating,
evaluating, testing
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5. Continuum
Paper Based Screen Based
Sketch or Wireframe Clickable Wireframe
Paper Prototype Interactive Prototype
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6. What about fidelity?
fi·del·i·ty (Noun):
The degree of resemblance to the final product.
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7. Dimensions of fidelity
 Visual
(Low: sketches High: graphics, branding)
 Functional
(Low: static pages High: dynamic states, loading
screens)
 Content/Data
(Low: lorem ipsum High: real prices, copy)
 Breadth
 Depth
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8. Types of prototypes
 Paper-based (Paper prototype video)
 Screen-based (Screen prototype example)
 Combo
 Rapid, throwaway or closed-ended prototype
 Evolutionary prototype
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9. Uses for prototyping
 Put requirements into a visual language
 Interaction modeling
 Demo an upcoming or potential product
 Usability testing
 Internal or client review
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10. The prototyping process
 Start with a purpose and goal for the prototype
and write it down, stay on target. Are you
testing, communicating, demonstrating, etc?
 Who is the audience?
 Sketch or wireframe before you build
 Choose scenarios
 Choose fidelities
 Build
 Don’t go overboard, more is not more
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11. Prototyping for Usability Testing
 May or may not have a prototype to start with
 Set test goals, plan, scenarios, participants, etc.
 If built, expect to have to adjust for testing
 (Choose fidelities, build)
 Tell participants up front that it is a prototype
 If participants go somewhere not built, remind
them it’s a prototype and gather data
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12. Who should prototype?
 Speed
 Resources
 What needs to be prototyped
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13. Thank you!
Alexis Antonelli
User Experience Consultant
uxconsultant.com
aa@uxconsultant.com
Axure RP 6 Training
September 24 in LA
uxconsultant.com/AxureTraining.html
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14. References
 Prototyping: A Practitioner's Guide
Todd Zaki Warfel, 2009
 Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Design and Refine User Experience
Carolyn Snyder, 2003
 Breaking the Fidelity Barrier: An Examination of Our Current Characterization of
Prototypes and an Example of Mixed Fidelity Success
CHI 2006 Proceedings
McCurdy, Connors, Pyrzak, Kanefsky, Vera, 2006
 Usability Problem Identification Using Both Low and High Fidelity Prototypes
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Virzi, Sokolov, Karis, 1996
 Introduction to Prototyping, Scottish UPA
http://www.slideshare.net/neil00allison/introduction-to-prototyping-scottish-upa-
june-2011
Neil Allison, 2011
 Managing Change with Axure (AA RT 1.2)
http://www.axureworld.org/library/category/axureworld-2010
Dhawal Shah, 2010
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