Paper prototyping

When is this method appropriate?

Paper prototyping is especially qualified for gaining findings referred to possible usability problems in the early development phase. First scribbles (hand-drawn drafts) or wireframes (schematic illustrations of a website) are presented as test materials.

Possible questions

• Are all necessary and wanted functions of the website illustrated?
• Are the single contents & functions on your website correctly prioritised and expectation conformed positioned?
• Are the basic interaction processes which are offered on the website comprehensible for the users? Are they conform to the requirements & expectations of the target-group(s)?
• Does the layout concept of the single drafts work?
• Do the users understand the navigation concept?

And many more …

In what project phase applicable?

• Conception/development
  If the rough interaction design is finished, it can be tested related to usability in terms of paper prototypes during the early conception phase. Like in a usability test with software or a website possible usage barriers can be identified long before the actual implementation.

What is the procedure of this method?

Before the current test single, central website elements (like navigation elements, text modules, site areas) are drawn on paper, cut out and illustrated on another paper that stands for the computer display or website and these elements are reordered. By this the order and design of the elements can be quickly modified without programming efforts. By the same token terms can be renamed, objects can be added, removed or exchanged for alternative versions.

Generally the test deals with scene-based test sessions with a single person and takes about 90 minutes. During the test session the test subject uses the paper prototype as if it was a real computer or website. Thereby the test subject is encouraged to “think aloud” and to show the spots where he would click. This is modified by another person with the aid of the “entries” of the test person (this means dialogues or redirecting site are called by an indicated “click”, options are determined or text entries are illustrated). Interaction procedures can be simulated step by step. If particular steps or conditions do not exist yet, we can simulate them if required ad-hoc. The test subjects get involved with this special test scene after a short settling in period.

Clearly defined interaction processes are necessary (what does happen when?) as well as an implementation in rough drafts of screens, menus, drop-downs etc.. Generally it is possible to change the design between single test sessions.

Strengths of this method

• Paper prototyping is a fast and efficient method to model websites and other user interfaces without any programming efforts and to test them with real users.
• It enables an efficient testing of concepts during early conception phases.
• Imperfection and problems can be precociously identified and eliminated so that no unnecessary development expenses arise.
• By the creative atmosphere test subjects work out an over-averaged number of productive suggestions.
• Paper prototyping allows a high flexibility by its direct manipulability. The procedure of dialogue sequences can be varied on demand.

What about the sample size?

The sample size should cover at least 8 to 10 test subjects.

How much time takes the implementation?

The duration of the implementation strongly varies according to the complexity of the test object and the goal-setting. Generally the study can be implemented within 2 to 3 weeks if 10 test subjects attend this test.

What input do you have to provide?

We need your basic designs or concepts for the test. For this purpose first hand-drawn scribbles or wireframes are adequate so that we can use them to create a paper prototype. On demand we support you with the creation of scribbles or wireframes. There we draw on our comprehensive project experiences in the fields of conception and prototyping.

Optimally you come to our premises with concrete questions that we enquire within a test. We would like to work out with you this kind of questions in a workshop.

What do you receive from us?

You receive an interpretative result report with the following contents:

• Management summary
• Illustration and interpretation of with the results of observation and survey data focussed on the most important conceptual results.
• Prioritisation of usability and utility observations incl. concrete guidance to remedy these problems so that the development team can pay attention on them.

These services can be commissioned as a full-service packet or as individual services.

On demand we present the results and findings of the test within a moderated workshop.