What are some methods of creating low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes?

1 Low-fidelity prototypes

Low-fidelity prototypes are rough and simple representations of your design concept, usually made with paper, sketches, or wireframes. They are used to communicate the basic functionality, layout, and navigation of your design, without focusing on the visual details, content, or interactions. Low-fidelity prototypes are quick and cheap to make, and they allow you to test your assumptions, validate your user needs, and explore different options.

3 Tools for low-fidelity prototyping

When creating low-fidelity prototypes, you have a variety of tools at your disposal, depending on your preference, availability, and budget. The most common are paper and pencil, which is the simplest and most accessible way to sketch ideas and create paper prototypes. You can also use wireframing software such as Balsamiq, Sketch, or Figma to create digital sketches and wireframes with predefined shapes, icons, and text.

Prototyping kits like POP or Rapid Prototyping Kit can help you create paper-based prototypes with stickers, magnets, buttons, and sliders. And if you're looking for something more hands-on, you can use kits like Lego or LittleBits to create hardware-based prototypes with sensors, motors, and lights.

4 Tools for high-fidelity prototyping

When it comes to creating high-fidelity prototypes, there are several tools available depending on your skills, needs, and goals. For example, mockup software such as Adobe XD, InVision, or Framer can be used to create realistic graphics, fonts, colors and images with the added benefit of advanced interactivity and animations. Alternatively, code editors like VS Code, CodePen or Glitch can be used to create custom elements, styles and scripts. Frameworks such as Bootstrap, React or Vue can also be used for responsive and dynamic web-based prototypes. Hardware platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi or Micro:bit can be used to program circuits and inputs/outputs with modules like Grove, TinkerKit or Adafruit for plug-and-play components.

5 Methods for testing prototypes

Regardless of the type and tool of your prototype, it is essential to test it with users and stakeholders to gain feedback and insights on the design. Depending on objectives, resources, and context, there are various methods to test prototypes, such as user testing, expert review, and usability testing. User testing can be conducted in person or remotely, moderated or unmoderated, using tools like Zoom or Lookback.

Expert review is a way to evaluate how the prototype meets industry standards and requirements. Usability testing measures the performance of the prototype in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction. All these methods can be conducted in person or remotely with tools like Miro, Maze, UsabilityHub or Optimal Workshop.

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?