Chapter 18 - Digital Interactive Prototyping

Abstract

A digital interactive prototype is similar to a paper prototype in that they are both appropriate for the same stage in the software-making process; however, a digital prototype can range from a more narrative style, such as a PowerPoint-based prototype, to a fully interactive high-fidelity coded prototype. The style of digital prototype covered in this chapter is essentially an interactive wireframe—hence the name “digital interactive prototype.” The interactivity can vary in fidelity with sometimes limited and sometimes complex interactions built into them. A digital prototype can often mimic many interactions but rarely all of them. However, the representation of system performance in a digital prototype is generally minimal. The software tools used for digital prototyping are mostly non-traditional prototyping tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. More traditional tools include Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Just like paper prototypes, digital prototypes can be used for both mental model mapping via user studies, design analysis, and decision making by a design team as well as for interaction design and visual design validation with users. The main advantage of a digital prototype over a coded prototype is that a non-technical person can create a digital prototype whereas a coded prototype generally requires the specific skill set of a programmer or scripter. In general, digital prototypes—like paper prototypes—are best when used during the initial conceptual design phase preceding the first detailed screen designs.