Google for Startups YouTube channel [Date Accessed: 05 December 2023]
Turning ideas into tangible products requires a journey through various prototyping methods. At Google, UX Researcher Todd Hausman emphasizes the importance of putting ideas in front of people early on to assess their value. In the three-part video series, teams at Google introduces various prototyping methods, from sketching and paper prototyping to digital and native prototyping.
The journey begins with sketching and paper prototyping, highlighting the versatility of sketching in outlining user flows, exploring layouts, and creating wireframes. Interaction Designer Mariam Shaikh emphasizes the speed and efficiency gained by flushing out ideas on paper before diving into digital tools.
The series then delves into digital prototyping using tools like Principle, demonstrating how to create interactive experiences without coding. Chris, a UX Engineer at Google, showcases the process of building a basic e-commerce app prototype, emphasizing the tool’s features for scrolling, transitions, and animations.
Google for Startups YouTube channel. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWGBGTGryFk [Accessed: 05 December 2023]
The narrative progresses to native prototyping, where the focus shifts to writing code for a more realistic user experience. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the technology ecosystem, exploring libraries and frameworks, and leveraging real devices, data, and users. Following the exploration phase, validation becomes crucial. The series encourages seeking user feedback early in the product lifecycle, using native prototypes to identify features that resonate with users. Prototypes become a valuable tool for storytelling, whether presenting to stakeholders or users, prototypes become powerful tools to convey the vision effectively.
In conclusion, the prototyping journey involves experimenting with various tools, iterating through design and validation, and ultimately finding the sweet spot that resonates with the audience. The key takeaway is to integrate prototyping seamlessly into the workflow, building better products that users will love.
Google for Startups YouTube channel. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lusOgox4xMI [Accessed: 05 December 2023]
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Useful resource:
The ultimate guide to prototyping
Justinmind YouTube channel [Date Accessed: 05 December 2023]
This animated video of just over five minutes accurately describes the different stages, necessity and preparatory work of prototyping. From my perspective, on the one hand, this video could be a good learning resource for designers with less relevant experience. On the other hand, it could also be used to persuade relevant departments to carry out prototyping in the workplace.
Designing web and mobile app prototypes is crucial for efficient development. Prototypes, replicas without code, showcase the final UI and interactions, aiding communication with users and developers. User testing on prototypes ensures the intended user experience. Prototyping before coding prevents costly reworks, accelerates time to market, and results in more user-friendly products.
There are different prototype types based on fidelity, ranging from basic paper sketches to advanced high-fidelity designs which include advanced interactions and UI design.
Before prototyping, conduct user research, define project requirements, and establish information architecture.
It is generally recommended to start with a low-fidelity prototype and gradually add interactivity and advanced UI design, but it is still necessary to decide the starting point based on the needs of the team. Prototyping fosters collaboration, iteration, and a shared team vision, making it an essential step in the development process.
“Prototyping is a collaborative experience they break up silos and help keep everyone on your team on the same page”
– Justinmind
The ultimate guide to prototyping. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJebP81wTXc [Accessed: 05 December 2023]