Application development is an expensive undertaking. Developing without a validated design can be very risky because post launch changes are even more costly. Prototypes, models of user interface designs, can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a design before the coding phase. Users who are asked to try out a prototype will get a sense of how the application works and can offer important feedback on the design.

Approaches to prototyping

There are many kinds of prototyping methods available. Generally they differ in degrees of interactivity and completeness. Rapid iterations of testing and designing low-fidelity prototypes can produce excellent initial results. When the fundamentals of the design are established higher fidelity prototypes can be used to evaluate more subtle aspects of the design.

Prototyping techniques

One technique of quick prototyping uses static paper models – print-outs or drawings of interface designs. Higher fidelity methods may involve building interactive models with HTML, JavaScript or other simple coding techniques. We have devised techniques of prototyping using PowerPoint which can combine graphic design mock-ups with a degree of interactive behaviour.

Which prototyping will work best for your project?

In contrast to evaluation of existing applications, building and testing prototypes can help de-risk the development of new applications. It can be an integral part of overall interface design.

The specific method to use will depend upon many factors including, complexity of the project, budget, degree of risk to persons and business interests, style of project design and development. It may even be the case that different approaches are used for various aspects of the production and design/development cycle.