Chapter 5: PrototypingA prototype is a working model of your final product. Both paper and online prototyping formats were presented in this chapter, with a special emphasis on the paper prototyping method. Paper prototypes are built with ordinary office supplies, but require pages to be dynamically created based on user actions during usability tests. Online prototypes can be either semi-functional code on a handheld device or on a desktop computer with emulation software. Clickable demos are series of static images that mimic what the final application might look like. A skilled moderator can create the illusion of a working product with a clickable demo. Online prototypes and clickable demos have the advantage over paper prototypes of being usable for demonstrations since they look realistic. Paper prototypes are
better suited to teams that work well together—in the same room. Some
argue that paper prototypes are not realistic enough, but respondents
adapt to them quickly during usability interviews. Interviewing two
respondents concurrently alleviates tension and increases the amount of
feedback, since the respondents work together. Paper prototypes are
easier to change than online prototypes, and can even be changed
in-between usability interviews. After interviews, paper prototyped user
interfaces are recorded with stop motion video since the details of how
the user interface works are quickly forgotten. Chapter 5: Prototyping covers:
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