What Do You Think a Prototype is?
A prototype is generally a visual and physical
representation of a concept. They are models used to test an idea and its
design. Prototypes can be anything from sketches and rough paper working to
semi complete versions of the final product.
What Form Does it Take?
Prototypes can take on many different forms depending on the
nature of the concept. In some cases they could be a dramatization of an idea
where interactions are acted out by individuals. For example Bodystorming could
be thought of as a prototyping method.
More commonly prototypes take either
physical forms such as paper prototypes or digital form such as interactive
PDFs or Mockups.
The form of the prototype is generally dependent on how developed
the concept is and the level of fidelity that is required to accurately test or
represent the design. Prototypes can be classified as either low, medium, or
high fidelity.
Low fidelity prototypes are quick, easy and are most often
used in the early stages of the design cycle. Paper prototypes, sketches, flip
charts are all examples of low fidelity prototypes.
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| http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/prototyping/ |
Medium fidelity prototypes are most sophisticated versions
of early prototypes and have been fleshed out with added visual styling,
content or interactivity.
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| https://mobileinteractiondesign.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/paper-prototyping/ |
High fidelity prototypes are the most realistic and most
time consuming to create and are the closest to the final product or design.
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| http://www.danielbeere.com/2012/04/mobile-app-flash-prototype/ |
What do you need to make one?
The core component of a prototype is a concept or idea that
needs feedback and refinement. To physically make the prototype, however, you
simply need a form and fidelity of choice.
If you are prototyping in paper you may need: Paper, pens,
pencils, sticky notes, scissors, staples, glue and other simple materials. An example prototyping toolkit is shown in the picture below.
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| http://uxmas.com/2014/if-you-think-paper-prototyping-is-a-waste-of-time |
If you are creating a digital prototype you may need a
certain software package or programming skills to create the necessary
fidelity.
What is it used for?
Prototypes are used to generate feedback on the design and
to identify areas where the design is not meeting the goals of the user. They
allow for user testing at a much earlier point in the design cycle.
This
feedback from users ensures that the next iteration of the design is more
robust and avoids potential issues popping up later in the design cycle.
Additionally prototyping can be used to experiment with
potential designs and learn more about the problem that you are trying to
solve.
What is its purpose?
The purpose of a prototype is to communicate a concept in a
manner which both designers and users will be able to understand. Rather than
simply describing a product, system or experience a prototype provides a clear
vision of the expected design.
The process of prototyping is used to create solutions to
challenges or problems which have already been identified or were not
considered in the initial design stages. By breaking a concept into smaller
elements which can be individually tested an evaluation prototypes allow
designers to make changes to a design while they are still easy to implement.
When would you create one?
Prototypes can and should be created at all stages of the
design cycle. The general consensus seems to be that they are extremely
valuable early on in the design process, either after the initial ideation or
during to ensure the validity of concepts.
Using prototypes during the design cycle allows designers to
receive feedback to improve their concepts throughout the development.
Additionally prototypes can provide a 'rough guide' or road map to follow for
the creation and implementation of the final product.
References
http://www.usabilitynet.org/tools/rapid.htm
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/06/design-better-faster-with-rapid-prototyping/
http://www.usabilitybok.org/prototyping-methods
http://designinstruct.com/web-design/prototyping-is-essential/
