User Experience Foundations

10 USER INTERFACE PROTOTYPING

The architect’s two most important tools are: the eraser in the drafting room and the wrecking bar on the site.

Frank Lloyd Wright (quoted in Jacobs, 1965)

INTRODUCTION

In previous chapters, we have repeatedly mentioned the importance of prototyping: it is an essential part of the iterative user-centred design process. In this chapter we describe exactly what we mean by a prototype. We examine the different sorts of prototype, such as electronic and paper prototypes, and we identify the difference between a prototype and a sketch. We also clarify the term wireframe. We discuss the applicability of different sorts of prototype in different situations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this chapter you will be ...