What is it?

Low fidelity prototypes are rough representations of concepts early in the design phase, usually in alpha or early beta phase. They are usually quick sketches or simple digital rendering of what the expected product/service should contain.

It is best to use low fidelity prototypes to:

  • communicate the concepts, design alternatives, screen layouts at a high level
  • focus on significant functionalities
  • put thoughts down quickly
  • detect and fix major problems early, rather than later
  • receive feedback that is relevant from the start of the project
  • understand how different pages relate to each other at a higher level

Purpose of low fidelity prototypes

The biggest benefit of using low fidelity prototypes is to acknowledge that design constantly changes based on how each of us interpret what the users’ goals are. If we focus on creating high fidelity (also considered high polished) prototypes straight off the bat, we will waste a lot of time refining a concept that will most likely change down the road. Rather than focusing on the details, the main focus is understanding what the users’ goals are and how users can accomplish tasks. Even if you’ve identified a common goal, there are also multiple ways of communicating how users’ will accomplish their goal. This is a good time to quickly sketch out your options, and then test your options to see which one works best and then move on to high fidelity prototype.

Tools to consider to make low fidelity prototypes

Choose a tool that would best suit your objectives, whether it is communicating concepts, design alternatives, screen layouts, or other uses. The tool could be anything that would help you communicate quickly. Here are a few ideas:

  • pen and paper
  • post-it notes, flip chart paper, markers
  • cardboard
  • Balsamiq
  • Lumzy
  • SimpleDiagrams
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