How can you prototype interactive voice features?

2 Define the voice flow

The voice flow is the sequence of steps and dialogues that your user will go through when interacting with your voice feature. It should be clear, concise, and consistent, and follow the best practices of voice design. You can use tools like flowcharts, scripts, or storyboards to map out the voice flow and identify the main intents, utterances, responses, and actions. You can also use personas and scenarios to define the context and goals of your user.

3 Test the prototype

Once you have created the voice flow, you can test the prototype with real users or stakeholders. You can use different methods to test the prototype, such as usability testing, user feedback, or analytics. The purpose of testing is to evaluate the functionality, usability, and desirability of your voice feature, and to identify any problems or opportunities for improvement. You can use tools like surveys, interviews, or observation to collect and analyze the data.

4 Iterate and refine

Based on the results of testing, you can iterate and refine your prototype until you reach a satisfactory level of quality and performance. You can make changes to the voice flow, the wording, the tone, the logic, or the functionality of your voice feature, and test them again. You can also compare different versions of your prototype to see which one works better. The goal of iteration is to optimize your voice feature for your user's needs and expectations.

5 Prototype with code

If you want to take your prototype to the next level, you can prototype with code. This means using a programming language or a framework to create a more realistic and interactive voice feature that can run on a device or a platform. For example, you can use Python, Node.js, or Dialogflow to create a voice app that can connect to APIs, databases, or external services. Prototyping with code can help you test the technical feasibility and scalability of your voice feature, and prepare it for deployment.

6 Learn from others

One of the best ways to learn how to prototype interactive voice features is to learn from others. You can find inspiration and guidance from existing voice products, case studies, tutorials, or communities. You can also join events, workshops, or hackathons that focus on voice design and development. By learning from others, you can discover new ideas, best practices, and trends that can help you create better voice prototypes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?