Prototype

• A model which something is based on. An early design.
• It is built with the understanding that it may be incorrect and will probably need to change.
• They are used to try out ideas.
• They are generally not complete models

Paper Prototyping

• A way to brainstorm, design, test, and communicate user interfaces.
• It can be used for almost any interface, including telephones, car dashboards, handheld games, or computer applications.

How Does It Work?

• You meet with the development team and choose the type of user who is the most important audience foe the interface.
• Determine tasks that the user should do.
• Make screen shots or sketches of all the windows, menus, dialog boxes, pages, data, pop-up messages, and other interface components that are needed to perform those tasks. This can also be done on a whiteboard.
• Perform a usability test. Have a user interact with the system, have a developer simulate the system, have another facilitate the two, and have an observer take notes.

What Does This Tell You?

• You will find out which parts of the interface work well and which are trouble spots.
• Since the prototype is done on paper you can easily modify it after or during the test,
• You can conduct several tests quickly and it generally doesn’t take long to identify a pattern in the feedback you receive.
• You can rapidly iterate the design based on real user input before any code is written.

Requirements

• Requires interactivity with the user.
• Real text.

Not Requirements

• High quality final interface designs that include colour, font, artwork, and layout choices.
• Filler text.
• A storyboard or flowchart showing all interaction. This is not interactive.

Benefits

• Feedback before any code is written.
• Promotes rapid iteration. You can experiment with different ideas rather than just one.
• Facilitates communication within the development team and with the user.
• Does not require any technical skill. You can train almost anyone to participate.
• Encourages creativity in the development process.
• Multidisciplinary teams can participate. Customer support representatives and trainers can provide insights into what customers find confusing.
• Ends arguments based on opinions.