Models & Prototypes

Why

Test an early model of product functionality, user experience, content breakdown, usability, or technical feasibility with users, peers, experts or your client.

How

Decide which aspect of the design you want to prototype, the audience of the prototype, and the fidelity. A low-fidelity prototype is sketchy while a high-fidelity prototype includes many details. There are many forms of prototypes.

Ingredients

• A clear goal or challenge for the prototype.

• An open mind about experimenting with interactions, compositions, etc.

• A sense of who the audience is and what needs to be communicated to them.

• Knowledge of different types of prototype.

• Prototyping materials or tools.

Practice

Prototypes are key in any project, but particularly in projects where it is uncertain how the envisioned product will work.