Prototyping
From concept to experience – through prototyping.
By prototyping we mean the early visualization and iterative optimization of a user interface. The benefit of this agile approach: We can obtain early feedback from all project participants and especially from users and easily correct designs. The result is a user-friendly application.
Our Approach to Prototyping
Prototypes are early visualizations of the system or system segment to be developed. With the help of these drafts, we clarify all important questions and requirements of the project stakeholders and users already in the user interface and prototyping phases.
For example, we perform usability tests already with paper prototypes or prototypes with partial functionality. If requirements change due to test results or a usability problem is identified, we can make straightforward adjustments that would have been expensive after implementation. Prototypes also provide valuable benefits to project participants in the company: They ensure that all persons responsible have the same conception of the system to be developed and provide for more efficient collaboration in the team.
The end result of the prototyping phase can serve as a direct template for the programming.
Examples for Prototypes
Structure and layout
Before contents and functions are placed, we clarify the basic layout, compliance with formal boundary conditions, and the screen resolution, among other things. In this way, we ensure consistency from the start.
Wireframes
With wireframes, we establish the functional framework and clarify how contents will be displayed for the user. In order to knowingly place the focus on functions, structure, and layout, we do not yet create the fine design in this step. Instead of holding discussions about favorite colors, we use this phase to test whether contents and functions correspond to the requirements of the users.
Graphic prototypes
Finally, we can, for example, use fully functional graphical prototypes to simulate the system including its design and interaction. With such high-fidelity prototypes we obtain feedback on the holistic user experience of the new system.
When Do We Recommend Prototyping?
We recommend the use of prototypes if you are planning to revise your system in whole or in part or would like to develop a new application.
Even if there are still many unclarified questions, prototyping can be used to find easy-to-implement answers. How will the numerous ideas for an application or new function look in a concrete manner on the user interface? Does it function how we imagined it to? How are the users finding our innovative approach? What can we give to the programmers for the estimation of effort?
Prototyping provides fast and, above all, explicit answers to these and other questions.
Wondering if Prototyping can help your project move forward?
In a short conversation with our Consulting Team, you can quickly find out how we can best support you. Alternatively, feel free to send us a short message, and we will get back to you.
We are happy to advise you - free of charge and without obligation.
Prototyping für Voice User Interfaces
Sie möchten einen Skill für Alexa, eine Action für Google Home oder eine Funktion für einen anderen Sprachassistenten entwicklen?
Wir gestalten für Sie nicht nur visuelle Prototypen, sondern ebenso prototypische Versionen von Voice User Interfaces. Dabei verknüpfen wir Sprachbefehle mit den entsprechenden Antworten des Systems und machen typische Use Cases bereits während der Entwicklung erlebbar. Je nach Kontext Ihres Projekts sind auch komplexe Verkettungen und Verknüpfungen von Spracheingaben und -ausgaben möglich. Prototypen von Voice User Interfaces eignen sich zudem ausgezeichnet, um Usability-Tests mit Personen aus Ihrer Zielgruppe durchzuführen und Nutzerfeedback einzuholen.
Prototyping for Voice User Interfaces
Why Our Customers Appreciate Prototyping
-
A picture is worth a thousand words
Through the use of prototypes, abstract ideas become concrete and tangible. The room for interpretation becomes minimal.
-
Brainstorming without technical restrictions
With prototypes, various ideas can be compared, supplemented, and evaluated.
-
Corrections are easier to make than after implementation
If, for example, the navigation concept is not yet 100% functional, this can be changed in prototypes much easier than after programming.
-
Prototypes for Different Output Devices
We design prototypes for digital output devices: from smartphones to industrial machines.
-
Errors and problems are visible earlier
Significant problems are eliminated well before the technical implementation.
-
Focus on what matters
We knowingly forgo focusing on color in early prototypes. The focus is thus exclusively on structure, navigation, and content.
-
User feedback can be obtained
We perform usability tests with the very first scribbles or prototypes with partial functionality and thus uncover usability weaknesses.
What Results Do You Receive?
Depending on your wishes, we will provide you with all conceivable classifications of prototypes: from well-documented, static wireframes to interactive click dummies all the way to functional prototypes with a completely designed user interface.
Would you like to know how we have used prototypes to ensure usability in other projects? Take a glance at our case studies.
Case Studies for Prototyping
TUI Germany
User-Centered Design
Usability Testing 
Usability Review
Card Sorting
