prototypetesting

Prototypetesting, also known as prototype testing, is the evaluation of a product prototype with users or stakeholders to gather feedback on usability, feasibility, and alignment with requirements. It is used to validate concepts and inform design decisions before full-scale development.

Prototypes represent different levels of fidelity, from low-fidelity paper sketches to high-fidelity interactive demos. Testing can target overall usability, navigation, task flows, or the behavior of a specific feature. The choice of fidelity should match the learning objective and development stage.

The testing process typically includes defining objectives, selecting representative participants, designing realistic tasks, and collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. Sessions may be conducted in person or remotely, and methods include think-aloud protocols, observational notes, time on task, completion rates, error frequency, and user satisfaction measures.

Results are used to identify usability problems, validate or invalidate assumptions, and refine requirements. Prototype testing is usually formative, supporting iterative design, but it can also be used for summative evaluation against predefined criteria before proceeding to full production.

Best practices include aligning prototype fidelity with learning goals, recruiting participants representative of the target audience, documenting findings clearly, and avoiding leading questions. Ethical considerations, consent, and privacy should be observed. Iterative cycles with rapid feedback help reduce risk and development cost.