Prototyping
We will use research insights to create a prototype that conceptualises a potential new product or service, that can be used in additional user research to evaluate the concept
Design research often explores or generates ideas for future services and products. In order to evaluate concepts associated with these products and services a prototype is often created. The level of fidelity of a prototype can vary from being paper-based, a mocked up in-store experience right through to a fully functional digital experience.
At U1, we have experimented with mapping services onto post-it notes, simulated the ATM banking experience with cardboard and iPad and mocked up mobile app experiences with paper tools and playing cards.
What is important here is that we have something to convey the concept and/or functionality:
- to customers so that we can get feedback as to how to progress an idea, or alternatively
- to the project team to help visualise the recommended changes.
Wireframes
If a concept for a digital product or service is under exploration (e.g. a website or app), we typically develop a low-fidelity wireframe outline of the intended digital experience.
With minimal visual or interface design elements, these wireframes are intended to convey functionality and flow for discussion and testing before investing heavily in design.
Wireframes, and any associate prototype, created by U1 will meet UX best practice and are matured and developed to the point where they can be tested with potential users. They will illustrate the placement of key functionality, content and navigation of a website or app.
The fidelity of the wireframes might vary from paper sketches to highly-developed interactive digital prototypes depending on the requirements of the project.
The U1 Toolkit
To provide you with the clearest possible insights and help you deliver real outcomes, we tailor each project to include the right methods and activities from our extensive toolkit.
