Unlocking user insights: choosing the right prototype for usability testing

Low-fidelity prototypes

Low-fidelity (lo-fi) prototypes, often created with paper, wireframes or basic mockups, provide designers with quick and flexible options for exploring and iterating on design concepts. These prototypes prioritise core functionality and user experience over intricate visual details.

Conducting usability testing with low-fidelity prototypes at the early stages helps identify usability issues promptly, enabling designers to address them before significant time and resource is invested. Low-fidelity prototypes, characterised by their unfinished appearance, can actually be advantageous during initial research stages. Their simplicity and lack of polished visuals encourage user input and suggestions, fostering an open and collaborative conversation. By presenting an unfinished design, designers can create an environment that encourages users to provide valuable feedback and contribute ideas, ultimately enriching the design process.

High-fidelity prototypes

High-fidelity (hi-fi) prototypes are highly detailed and closely resemble the final product. They feature realistic visuals, interactive elements, animations, and may even include real data integration. High-fidelity prototypes aim to provide an experience that closely emulates the final product, allowing for comprehensive usability testing and evaluation.

High-fidelity prototypes are typically used in the later stages of the design process when the core functionality and user experience have been validated and refined. By providing a realistic representation, these prototypes help identify any usability issues, validate design decisions, and refine the user experience. They can also be used to provide stakeholders and developers with a polished and detailed final version of the design for review, sign-off or handoff to ensure consistency between design and the end result.

Prototyping tools

In contemporary design practices, digital prototypes have emerged as the predominant form of prototyping. Today, designers have access to a diverse range of specialised software, enabling them to craft visually captivating and dynamic prototypes. These digital prototypes possess the capability to incorporate immersive interactive effects and intricate animations, empowering designers to create prototypes that closely emulate the final product experience and captivate stakeholders and users alike.

InVision prototype

InVision is a popular prototyping tool that transforms static designs into interactive prototypes. It allows designers to create clickable and interactive prototypes that simulate user interactions and workflows. The tool facilitates collaboration by allowing stakeholders and team members to provide feedback directly on the prototype. Usability testing with InVision prototypes offers an immersive experience for users, enabling them to navigate a realistic representation of the final product.

Figma prototype

Figma is another widely-used design tool that offers robust prototyping capabilities. Designers can create interactive prototypes, define user flows and simulate micro-interactions. Its real-time collaboration features foster seamless teamwork, making it an excellent choice for usability testing. By incorporating user feedback and conducting iterative tests, we can refine the prototype and improve the overall user experience.

Adobe XD

Much like Figma and InVision, Adobe XD offers a range of features for creating realistic transitions, interactive elements and micro-interactions. Adobe XD integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, making it a preferred choice for designers who work within the Adobe ecosystem.

Sketch

Sketch is a popular design tool used for creating user interfaces, and it also offers prototyping capabilities. While its features aren’t as advanced as some other dedicated prototyping tools, Sketch’s simplicity and ease of use make it a favourite among many designers for creating basic interactive prototypes.

Axure RP

Axure RP is a powerful prototyping tool that allows designers to create interactive and highly-functional prototypes. It offers extensive features for creating complex interactions, conditional logic, and dynamic content – way beyond that of the previously mentioned tools. Although it has fewer design features, Axure RP is commonly used for prototyping complex web applications and enterprise software.

Coded prototype

Coded prototypes offer a high level of fidelity and interactivity, as they can closely mimic the behaviour and functionality of the actual product. By using code, designers have more control over the user interface, interactions and data processing. Coded prototypes can be created using various programming languages and frameworks, depending on the specific needs of the project. Kits such as the GOV.UK Prototype Kit allow designers, user researchers and product owners to utilise templates and common components to quickly design and prototype government services.

Can we help you?

Choosing the right prototype for usability testing is crucial to the success of any design project. Our expert team can help you make informed decisions when selecting prototypes, explore different tools and software options and prioritise usability so you can deliver exceptional user experiences. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.