What are some common user scenarios for UI prototyping?

1 Problem validation

One of the most common user scenarios for UI prototyping is problem validation, which means verifying that the problem you are trying to solve with your product or feature is real, relevant, and worth solving for your target audience. Problem validation can help you avoid building something that nobody wants or needs, and save you from wasting resources on unnecessary features. To conduct problem validation, you can use low-fidelity UI prototypes, such as sketches, wireframes, or mockups, that illustrate the core functionality and value proposition of your solution. You can then test these prototypes with potential users and get feedback on whether they understand the problem, how they currently cope with it, and how interested they are in your solution.

2 Solution validation

Another common user scenario for UI prototyping is solution validation, which means testing whether your proposed solution actually solves the problem for your users and meets their expectations and needs. Solution validation can help you refine your design, identify usability issues, and prioritize improvements. To conduct solution validation, you can use high-fidelity UI prototypes, such as interactive or clickable prototypes, that simulate the look and feel of your final product or feature. You can then test these prototypes with actual or representative users and observe how they interact with them, what challenges they face, and how satisfied they are with the outcome.

3 User journey mapping

A third common user scenario for UI prototyping is user journey mapping, which means creating a visual representation of how your users move through your product or service, from their initial motivation to their final goal. User journey mapping can help you understand your users' pain points, emotions, and behaviors, and discover opportunities to improve their experience and satisfaction. To create user journey maps, you can use UI prototypes that show the key steps and touchpoints of your users' journey, such as landing pages, sign-up forms, onboarding screens, or checkout pages. You can then validate these prototypes with users and stakeholders and get feedback on how they perceive and evaluate each stage of the journey.

4 Design collaboration

A fourth common user scenario for UI prototyping is design collaboration, which means working with other designers, developers, or clients to communicate and iterate on your design ideas and decisions. Design collaboration can help you align your vision, avoid misunderstandings, and incorporate diverse perspectives and feedback. To facilitate design collaboration, you can use UI prototypes that demonstrate the functionality, layout, and style of your design, such as animations, transitions, or micro-interactions. You can then share these prototypes with your collaborators and get their input and suggestions on how to improve or modify them.

5 User education

A fifth common user scenario for UI prototyping is user education, which means teaching your users how to use your product or feature, or explaining its benefits and value. User education can help you increase user adoption, retention, and loyalty, and reduce user frustration and confusion. To provide user education, you can use UI prototypes that show the instructions, tips, or feedback that your users will receive when using your product or feature, such as tooltips, tutorials, or notifications. You can then test these prototypes with users and measure how well they learn and understand your product or feature, and how confident and comfortable they feel using it.

6 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?