Low fidelity Prototype and High fidelity Prototype.

Fidelity:

refers to the level of detail, accuracy or coverage of a prototype. It can relate to functionality but most people use the term in relation to visual appearance.

A prototype is a working model built to develop and test design ideas. In web and software interface design, prototypes can be used to examine content, aesthetics, and interaction techniques from the perspectives of designers, clients, and users.

The main purpose of prototyping is to involve the users in testing design ideas and get their feedback in the early stage of development, thus to reduce the time and cost. It provides an efficient and effective way to refine and optimize interfaces through discussion, exploration, testing and iterative revision.

Low-fidelity prototypes

Low-fidelity prototyping is mainly about paper-based mock-up.

Low-fidelity prototypes are very quick hand sketches while the highest are fully detailed, pixel perfect renditions.They are built mostly to  design alternatives or screen layouts. Typical examples of low-fidelity prototypes include storyboards, drawings, paper mockups etc.

Low-fidelity prototypes are quickly constructed to design alternatives, and screen layouts, rather than to model the user interaction with a system

Examples

 Paper Prototyping•

 Balsamiq Mockups & iMockups

Advantages of Low Fidelity:

1. Less time and lower cost.

2. Evaluate multiple design concepts.

3. Useful communication device.

4. Address screen layout issues.

Disadvantages of Low Fidelity:

1. Limited usefulness for usability testing

2. Navigational and flow limitations.

3. Facilitator divisions.

4. Poor detailed specification.

 High fidelity prototypes

High-fidelity is mainly about computer-based simulation.

High fidelity prototypes offer more realistic interactions and are better at conveying the range of design possibilities. High fidelity prototyping, however, may make designers reluctant to change designs and less likely to fully explore the design space.

High fidelity prototypes are typically fully interactive, represent’s the product’s core

functionality and are often built with prototyping systems. They are used mostly for exploration and tests of the look and feel of the final product. A high fidelity prototype helps keep the focus of the team on the user experience.

high-fidelity prototypes are fully interactive, simulating much of the functionality in the final product.  Users can operate on the prototype, or even perform some real tasks with it.

High-Fidelity Prototyping

• Axure Pro 6

• Microsoft Expression BlendUI Prototyping Tool

Advantages of High Fidelity:

1. Partial/ complete functionality interactive.

2. User driven.

3. Clearly defines navigational schemas.

4. Use for exploration and test.

5. Marketing and sales tool.

Disadvantages of High Fidelity:

1. Time consuming to create

2. Inefficient for proof-of-concept designs.

3. Managements may think it is real.