What are some effective ways to test your prototypes with real users?

1 Low-fidelity vs high-fidelity prototypes

One of the first decisions you need to make when prototyping is whether to use a low-fidelity or a high-fidelity prototype. Low-fidelity prototypes are simple and rough sketches or wireframes that focus on the basic functionality and layout of your design, while high-fidelity prototypes are more detailed and realistic representations that include visual elements, interactions, and feedback. The choice depends on your goals, resources, and user scenarios. Low-fidelity prototypes are faster and cheaper to create and iterate, and are useful for testing early concepts, navigation, and user flows. High-fidelity prototypes are more engaging and convincing, and are useful for testing visual design, usability, and user satisfaction.

2 Paper vs digital prototypes

Another decision you need to make is whether to use paper or digital prototypes. Paper prototypes are physical models that you can create with paper, pens, scissors, and other materials. Digital prototypes are software-based models that you can create with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision. Paper prototypes are easy and inexpensive to make and modify, and are great for low-fidelity prototyping, brainstorming, and co-designing with users. Digital prototypes are more versatile and interactive, and are great for high-fidelity prototyping, sharing, and testing remotely. However, they also require more skills and time to create and update.

3 User testing methods

Once you have your prototype ready, testing it with real users is essential to gain feedback and insights. Depending on your objectives, user scenarios, and prototype fidelity, there are many methods available to test prototypes. Usability testing is a popular method that involves observing and recording how users interact with the prototype and measuring their performance, satisfaction, and issues. User interviews are another method that involves asking users open-ended questions about their needs, expectations, opinions, and experiences with the prototype. Surveys are also an effective way to ask users closed-ended questions about their preferences, ratings, satisfaction, and feedback. Finally, A/B testing can be used to compare two or more versions of the prototype to see which one performs better on a specific metric or goal.

4 User testing tools

Conducting user testing effectively requires the use of the right tools for creating, sharing, and analyzing prototypes. Popular and useful tools for UX prototyping and testing include Figma, InVision, Marvel, and Balsamiq. Figma allows you to create high-fidelity prototypes with interactive elements, animations, and feedback. It can also be integrated with other tools like Maze, UserTesting, or Lookback for user testing and analysis. InVision is a web-based tool that enables the creation of high-fidelity prototypes with transitions, gestures, and comments. It has its own user testing platform or can be integrated with other tools like UserZoom, UserTesting, or Validately for user testing and analysis. Marvel is a web-based tool that allows you to create low-fidelity or high-fidelity prototypes with simple interactions, animations, and feedback. It has its own user testing platform or can be integrated with other tools like UserTesting, UsabilityHub, or Hotjar for user testing and analysis. Lastly, Balsamiq is a desktop or web-based tool that enables the creation of low-fidelity prototypes with wireframes, sketches, and basic interactions. It has its own user testing platform or can be integrated with other tools like UserTesting, UsabilityHub, or Userfeel for user testing and analysis.