Rapid Prototyping
UX Design
What is Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping is a fast-paced iterative process of creating quick, simplified versions of a design to test concepts and gather user feedback early in the development process. It emphasizes speed and efficiency over perfection.
Methods of Rapid Prototyping
Common approaches include:
- Paper Prototypes: Quick sketches and paper interfaces
- Digital Wireframes: Basic clickable mockups
- HTML Prototypes: Simple working web interfaces
- Interactive Tools: Prototyping software for quick assembly
When to use Rapid Prototyping
Implement this approach during early design phases, when exploring multiple concepts quickly, validating ideas with users, or communicating design concepts to stakeholders. It's particularly valuable when time and resources are limited.
Benefits of Rapid Prototyping
This method enables quick validation of ideas, reduces development risks, saves resources, and allows for multiple iterations before committing to final designs. It helps teams fail fast, learn quickly, and make informed design decisions.
Aim for hours or days rather than weeks. The goal is quick validation, so keep each iteration focused and minimal.
Use the lowest fidelity that will answer your key questions. Start with low fidelity and increase only when necessary for testing specific aspects.
Focus on the core functionality needed to test your hypothesis. Include only what's necessary for users to understand and interact with the key features being tested.
UX Design Terms
See more UX Design terms
Customer Experience
What is Customer Experience Customer Experience (CX) encompas...
Menu-Driven Interface
What is a Menu-Driven Interface A Menu-Driven Interface is a ...
Mental Model
What is a Mental Model A Mental Model is an individual's inte...
User Engagement
What is User Engagement? User engagement measures meaningful ...
Conversion Rate
What is Conversion Rate Conversion Rate is the percentage of ...
Mockup
What is a Mockup A Mockup is a static, high-fidelity represen...