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Usability Methods: Paper Prototyping

by: pidoco1 on Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 Time: 4:56 AM

"Paper prototyping is a variation of usability testing where representative users perform realistic tasks by interacting with a paper version of the interface that is manipulated by a person ‘playing computer,’ who doesn’t explain how the interface is intended to work." – excerpt from the book Paper Prototyping by Carolyn Snyder

What is paper prototyping?

Paper prototyping is a usability method widely used in user interface design(https://pidoco.com/en), refinement and testing, in a process known as the user-centered design process. It helps developers in creating the interface design of software programs, websites, web applications, and handheld devices in such a way that it meets users’ expectations and needs. Paper prototyping was developed in the mid-1980s, but already by the mid-1990s paper prototyping was being used as an integral part of interface design and usability testing at blue chip companies such as Microsoft and IBM as well as at a plethora of technology and design firms large and small.

Paper prototyping is a form of Rapid Prototyping. A paper prototype is a model of what the final interface design might look like. Paper prototypes are low in fidelity (the level of detail in a prototype) and were originally sketched out by hand with the aid of a paper and pen(cil); hence the name.

Better interface design and other benefits of paper prototyping

Paper prototyping(https://pidoco.com/en/benefits/digital_paper_prototyping) has many benefits for usability and interface design. Paper prototyping does not require any technical skills therefore allowing a wide range of people to be involved and take advantage of them. This is great for facilitating communication within multidisciplinary teams. Paper prototypes enhance communication not just within the development team but also between the team and intended end users. Paper prototypes thus can be used to gather substantive feedback early on in the development process before coding begins, thus eliminating the need to expensively fix usability errors later on. Being cheap and easy to use, paper prototyping promotes rapid iterative development because you and your team can experiment with several interface designs that can be tested for usability. Another benefit is that paper prototypes encourage creativity When undergoing usability testing users will feel more inclined to critique or add suggestions to your interface design on a paper prototype as the prototypes are not as intimidating as a finished, refined application. The low-fidelity nature of paper prototypes also allows for the right kind of feedback. Users should report on the usability of your interface design and not the font being used or other graphic design details that can be added later in the process.

About the Author

Pidoco.com – Interface Design(https://pidoco.com/), Wireframe Software, Wireframe Tools, Interface Design Software, Clickable Wireframes, Usability Testing and Digital Paper Prototyping(https://pidoco.com/en/benefits/digital_paper_prototyping). Fast wireframe creation and remote website usability testing lead to an improved conversion!

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