Low Cost Prototyping: Part 1, or How to Produce Better Ideas Faster by Getting User Reactions Early and Often

Abstract

Although approaches to User Centered Software Development have existed for almost 20 years a rift still exists between theory and practice. In practice, many software projects are designed at the code level. Almost automatically, the end user - the human being - vanishes from the viewpoint of the software developers. Good Usability Engineering combines complex back-end functionalities with a well operated, attractive, effective and efficient user interface, with full regard to efficiency. The first half of this two-part tutorial provides practical guidance on how to resolve web design issues quickly using paper prototypes. You will be introduced to the STAR model (Stage, Types, Aims, Resources) for determining an appropriate prototyping/test strategy and then guided through a series of team based activities to produce a paper based micro Website design. In the second part these designs are tested to provide insights into the thinking and behaviour of end users.