How To Successfully Use Prototyping Tools In A Ux Project

By Author: Martin Metz
Total Articles: 13
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I recently read an article on the planning process of UX projects. This is such an important part of any project, as it can help establish deadlines, budget and what activities need to take place when in order to ensure a successful project. One of the most common mistakes of a UX project is to focus on the user interface too early on. Before UX designers begin creating wireframes and using prototyping tools, they should ensure that they have fixed requirements from their clients and other stakeholders. They should also carry our user research and contextual research to form a basis for use cases and personas. Only with this background research should UX designers proceed to focus on the UI of the application they are designing.

Prototoyping Tool: Advantages

When other UX preparation has been carried out, using a prototyping tool is an excellent way to transition into UI design. This enables the UX designer to focus on the most important content for the user and to create user flows and basic interactions based on this. Prototyping tools are often easy to use and can be quicker than creating a prototype with HTML ...
... code. There are many prototyping tools that enable designers to include basic interactions and simulate these. This means that even with a basic prototype, UX designers can begin user testing. Prototyping with software can be an agile way of working, as small changes can be made instantaneously based on user feedback. One of the best advantages of using a prototyping tool is that UX designers can immediately show their vision to other stakeholders. This means that communication about requirements and design are a lot clearer. Prototypes are used as a basis for further designs, but are not meant to be perfect. Instead, they should be used to establish where improvements for a final product can be made.

Prototyping Tool: Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages to using a prototyping tool, which often occur when a UX designer isn’t sufficiently prepared in a project. The first drawback is that a prototyping tool, when used too early can be overwhelming for a designer. If he decides to use a high-fidelity tool, there can be a temptation to focus on fine details and complex interactions. The prototype should not be used as a basis for the graphical user interface design; instead this should be a framework for a graphic designer to work from. One of the biggest problems with using a prototyping tool is that some stakeholders already view this as a finished product, particularly if the prototypes themselves look polished. It is important therefore that UX designers educate their stakeholders about why a prototype has been made and what feedback they would like from them.

Conclusion

Prototyping tools are a useful addition to any UX toolkit. The disadvantages of using this type of software can occur when adequate preparation has not been carried out. It is vital that stakeholders are educated about the purpose of prototypes and that they are encouraged to give feedback where it is required. Creating prototypes can be a quick, cost-effective way of creating an outline for a product. By incorporating user and contextual research into these initial designs, UX designers can create a visualization that others can easily understand. With prototyping tools, the quick changes that can be made to a project can help in an agile approach.

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Pidoco.com – User Interface Design, Wireframing Software, Wireframes, Interface Design Software, UI Design, Wireframing Tool, Prototyping Tool, Clickable Wireframes, Interface Design Tool, Usability Testing and Digital Paper Prototyping.