Low-Fidelity Prototypes<\/h4>\nImagine this: you have an idea for a new digital product, and it seems to you that it could solve a lot of people’s problems. It can be a new application or even a new system that will make the work of companies in a certain field easier. However, to be sure before making a big investment, you need to plan, test, and evaluate this idea.\n\nIn this case, a low-fidelity prototype can be one of the ways to start validating and maturing the idea. Its characteristics are:\n\n \t- Validating basic and initial premises<\/strong> of the product;<\/li>\n \t
- Introducing the idea in a broad manner<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t
- Containing the main functionalities and user flows<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t
- Delivering a low degree of aesthetic detail<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t
- Lack of interaction features \u2013 usually not navigable<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLow-fidelity prototypes are widely used by early-stage startups that want to seek investment; and also by internal sectors of companies that need to approve budgets for new products. At SoftDesign, we develop low-fidelity prototypes in Product Conception<\/a>, a service in which, before developing the software, we explore ideas, understand users better, identify functionalities and choose technologies.\n\nWe also use low-fidelity prototypes during Software Development<\/a> as part of the Discovery process for new functionalities in existing products. We use these prototypes as a way to discuss ideas and even validate them within the team itself before going on to refine the solution.\n\nIn the image below, we can see an example of a low-fidelity prototype, developed by SoftDesign’s UX\/UI Designers in the Whimsical<\/strong> tool \u2013 for this purpose, we also use Miro<\/strong>. Note that it is much more focused on the functionalities of the digital product \u2013 that is, the problem it solves \u2013 than on aesthetics.\n\n
![\"Low-Fidelity](\"https:\/\/softdesign.com.br\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/prototipos_baixa.png\")
\nHigh-Fidelity Prototypes<\/h4>\nNow imagine the following: you’ve discussed your idea a lot, you’ve had more than one cycle of evolution based on qualitative data and benchmarking, and now you want to start user testing. It’s time to create a high-fidelity prototype.\n\nHigh-fidelity prototypes have the following characteristics:\n\n \t- Faithfully representing the new digital product<\/strong>, both in terms of functionality as well as in aesthetics and behavior;<\/li>\n \t
- Introducing details of operations and their extensions,<\/strong> such as button functionality and possible error returns;<\/li>\n \t
- Containing the possible and different steps taken<\/strong> by users;<\/li>\n \t
- It is usually interactive<\/strong> and navigable<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIt is important to note that the high-fidelity prototype is not yet the product itself. For example, if your product is an application, your high-fidelity prototype still doesn’t have code written, nor does it actually work. It is just a way of simulating the operation to test some specific aspects of the solution.\n\nHigh-fidelity prototypes can be used to:\n
\n \t- Define the final version of the UI design<\/strong> that must be applied to the product;<\/li>\n \t
- Test the understanding of the value proposition<\/strong> of the product with real users, or the understanding of the terminology adopted (UX Writing)<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t
- \u00a0If it is interactive, test it with real users understanding the flow and interaction<\/strong> between the user and the product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAt SoftDesign, we create high-fidelity prototypes in the Software Development service in two moments: during the Discovery process to test new ideas; or during Refinement, to plan and communicate the UI to everyone involved in the project.\n\nIn the image below we can see a high-fidelity prototype created by SoftDesign’s UX\/UI Designers in the Figma<\/strong> tool. Note that it is already more complete and involves a detailed view of each step taken by the user.\n\n
![\"High-Fidelity](\"https:\/\/softdesign.com.br\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/prototipo_alta-1024x527.png\")
\nTests with prototypes<\/h4>\nYou may still be wondering: do I need a low or high-fidelity prototype? When developing prototypes, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it is a strategy for communication and learning. This means that, in order to choose, you should think about what you want to learn from it:\n\n\u2013 Do you want to exercise understanding and better communicate a possible solution?<\/strong> Low-fidelity prototypes made on paper may suffice. Or, if you don’t like paper, you can use tools like Miro or Whimsical to create wireframes.\n\n\u2013 Do you want to test if a solution fits a certain flow, and how the interaction between the user and the product will be?<\/strong> You can do this in low-fidelity by drawing a storyboard, or in high-fidelity with a working prototype.\n\n\u2013 What if the product is physical?<\/strong> You can test the interaction with it, testing aspects such as size, suitability for use, how it will be handled, and others, by making a low-fidelity cardboard prototype, for example, or a high-fidelity one, in a 3D printer.\n\nThat is, there is no right or wrong in prototypes, the idea is to use creativity to find the best way to simulate the solution quickly and at a low cost, always focusing on the aspect you want to test and generate learning. Thus, it is possible to reduce uncertainty and risk before actually building the product or functionality.\n\nNeed help developing your digital product’s prototypes? Fill in the form below, we will contact you soon!<\/strong>\n\n\n \n Let’s build exceptional software solutions together! <\/h2>\n
\n Experience having a reliable partner to your IT challenges. Let’s talk about our unique approach to discover and deliver outstanding solutions. <\/p>\n
\nHigh-Fidelity Prototypes<\/h4>\nNow imagine the following: you’ve discussed your idea a lot, you’ve had more than one cycle of evolution based on qualitative data and benchmarking, and now you want to start user testing. It’s time to create a high-fidelity prototype.\n\nHigh-fidelity prototypes have the following characteristics:\n\n \t- Faithfully representing the new digital product<\/strong>, both in terms of functionality as well as in aesthetics and behavior;<\/li>\n \t
- Introducing details of operations and their extensions,<\/strong> such as button functionality and possible error returns;<\/li>\n \t
- Containing the possible and different steps taken<\/strong> by users;<\/li>\n \t
- It is usually interactive<\/strong> and navigable<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIt is important to note that the high-fidelity prototype is not yet the product itself. For example, if your product is an application, your high-fidelity prototype still doesn’t have code written, nor does it actually work. It is just a way of simulating the operation to test some specific aspects of the solution.\n\nHigh-fidelity prototypes can be used to:\n
\n \t- Define the final version of the UI design<\/strong> that must be applied to the product;<\/li>\n \t
- Test the understanding of the value proposition<\/strong> of the product with real users, or the understanding of the terminology adopted (UX Writing)<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t
- \u00a0If it is interactive, test it with real users understanding the flow and interaction<\/strong> between the user and the product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAt SoftDesign, we create high-fidelity prototypes in the Software Development service in two moments: during the Discovery process to test new ideas; or during Refinement, to plan and communicate the UI to everyone involved in the project.\n\nIn the image below we can see a high-fidelity prototype created by SoftDesign’s UX\/UI Designers in the Figma<\/strong> tool. Note that it is already more complete and involves a detailed view of each step taken by the user.\n\n\n
Tests with prototypes<\/h4>\nYou may still be wondering: do I need a low or high-fidelity prototype? When developing prototypes, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it is a strategy for communication and learning. This means that, in order to choose, you should think about what you want to learn from it:\n\n\u2013 Do you want to exercise understanding and better communicate a possible solution?<\/strong> Low-fidelity prototypes made on paper may suffice. Or, if you don’t like paper, you can use tools like Miro or Whimsical to create wireframes.\n\n\u2013 Do you want to test if a solution fits a certain flow, and how the interaction between the user and the product will be?<\/strong> You can do this in low-fidelity by drawing a storyboard, or in high-fidelity with a working prototype.\n\n\u2013 What if the product is physical?<\/strong> You can test the interaction with it, testing aspects such as size, suitability for use, how it will be handled, and others, by making a low-fidelity cardboard prototype, for example, or a high-fidelity one, in a 3D printer.\n\nThat is, there is no right or wrong in prototypes, the idea is to use creativity to find the best way to simulate the solution quickly and at a low cost, always focusing on the aspect you want to test and generate learning. Thus, it is possible to reduce uncertainty and risk before actually building the product or functionality.\n\nNeed help developing your digital product’s prototypes? Fill in the form below, we will contact you soon!<\/strong>\n\n\n \n Let’s build exceptional software solutions together! <\/h2>\n
\n Experience having a reliable partner to your IT challenges. Let’s talk about our unique approach to discover and deliver outstanding solutions. <\/p>\n
- \n \t
- Define the final version of the UI design<\/strong> that must be applied to the product;<\/li>\n \t
- Test the understanding of the value proposition<\/strong> of the product with real users, or the understanding of the terminology adopted (UX Writing)<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t
- \u00a0If it is interactive, test it with real users understanding the flow and interaction<\/strong> between the user and the product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAt SoftDesign, we create high-fidelity prototypes in the Software Development service in two moments: during the Discovery process to test new ideas; or during Refinement, to plan and communicate the UI to everyone involved in the project.\n\nIn the image below we can see a high-fidelity prototype created by SoftDesign’s UX\/UI Designers in the Figma<\/strong> tool. Note that it is already more complete and involves a detailed view of each step taken by the user.\n\n
\nTests with prototypes<\/h4>\nYou may still be wondering: do I need a low or high-fidelity prototype? When developing prototypes, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it is a strategy for communication and learning. This means that, in order to choose, you should think about what you want to learn from it:\n\n\u2013 Do you want to exercise understanding and better communicate a possible solution?<\/strong> Low-fidelity prototypes made on paper may suffice. Or, if you don’t like paper, you can use tools like Miro or Whimsical to create wireframes.\n\n\u2013 Do you want to test if a solution fits a certain flow, and how the interaction between the user and the product will be?<\/strong> You can do this in low-fidelity by drawing a storyboard, or in high-fidelity with a working prototype.\n\n\u2013 What if the product is physical?<\/strong> You can test the interaction with it, testing aspects such as size, suitability for use, how it will be handled, and others, by making a low-fidelity cardboard prototype, for example, or a high-fidelity one, in a 3D printer.\n\nThat is, there is no right or wrong in prototypes, the idea is to use creativity to find the best way to simulate the solution quickly and at a low cost, always focusing on the aspect you want to test and generate learning. Thus, it is possible to reduce uncertainty and risk before actually building the product or functionality.\n\nNeed help developing your digital product’s prototypes? Fill in the form below, we will contact you soon!<\/strong>\n\n
\n \n Let’s build exceptional software solutions together! <\/h2>\n
\n Experience having a reliable partner to your IT challenges. Let’s talk about our unique approach to discover and deliver outstanding solutions. <\/p>\n
- Test the understanding of the value proposition<\/strong> of the product with real users, or the understanding of the terminology adopted (UX Writing)<\/strong>;<\/li>\n \t