Paper Prototyping: the business benefits
Paper prototyping gives you a quick sanity check on a design concept before you invest time and money coding it.
What is paper prototyping?
The goal of paper prototyping is to see if users can get stuff done with the interface. It's used to check functionality, terminology, navigation and page layout. This ensures that people can complete the critical user journeys with the interface.
Why do paper prototyping?
Paper prototyping is a rapid way to incorporate direct feedback from real users into a design. Because it requires zero coding effort, designs can go through a number of iterations in a short amount of time. This compares favourably with the timescales needed for even the quickest computer-based prototyping tools.
When should I do paper prototyping?
Paper prototyping is carried out with early design ideas and concepts.
Our approach to paper prototyping
Paper prototyping is a key component of our iterative design approach (based on the user-centred design standard, ISO 13407).
We identify the key user tasks and then develop paper mock-ups that support these activities. The prototype designs are put together by our experienced consultants using paper, sticky notes and acetates. We show the prototype designs to participants and ask them to carry out the tasks. We tell participants to use the paper prototype as they would a real user interface, pointing with their finger rather than a mouse.
What does it cost?
Paper prototyping is a rapid technique and can be completed in a few days. Prices from £2,850.
What should I do next?
- Read a paper prototyping case study.
- Read one of our articles on paper prototyping.
Complete the form below and one of our consultants will contact you within 24hrs to discuss your situation.
Paper Prototyping in practice
“We have all found the report extremely useful. It is very clear, thorough and practical. Not only has it highlighted specific usability problems, it has also given us a much better understanding of how we need to think about the site as a whole. Working with you has been enjoyable, enlightening and productive. Thanks for the excellent work you have done with us.”
– Mike Jones, Nottinghamshire County Council.