Prototyping Lo-Fi and Hi-Fi applications. Differences and applications
From the article you will learn about the benefits of using prototypes, as well as what are the differences between Lo-Fi and Hi-Fi
Lo-Fi (Low-fidelity) application prototyping
Application UX prototypingmobile, web or desktop with low detail representation (Lo-Fi Prototyping) is a quick and easy way to translate design concepts. The first and most important roleLow-Fidelity prototypesis checking andfunctionality testing, and noproduct appearance.
Use of low-fidelity prototypes
| Visual design | The key is to present only the visual elements of the final product that are important in a given context, e.g. shapes of elements, basic visual hierarchy, etc. It may be a login screen that contains an unlabeled field and a button, because at this stage we do not know whether login will be done using double opt in, single opt, whether an e-mail address will be used or only a telephone number.
Much also depends on the level of definition of the project scope at this stage. The more details we know, the more we can present, but without focusing on the details. We are designing the overall architecture, so pixel-perfect is of no importance at this stage, but the whole thing should be neat and pleasant to read. |
| Contents | only key content elements are included, e.g. headline, label, but we try to avoid thisLoremIpsum. |
| Interactivity: mobile application prototypeorwebsite | Depending on whether the prototype will be sent in the form of, for example, an interactive link or used during an interview with the user, its interactivity may vary.
However, we try to cover all connections of the prototype to get the most out of the interview with the user, without leading him into a dead end. During the Low-Fidelity prototype, it will not need to include, for example, entering data into a field, validation, or other logic. |
Benefits prototyping low-fidelity applications
- Involvement of all stakeholders in the design process.Anyone can sketch (even those who say they can’t), and that means anyone can build paper prototypes.
- It allows for testing at an early stage of the project. Early prototype testing allows product teams to find big picture problems – such as unclear information architecture – before they become too difficult to solve.
- Quick experimentation.Various UI elements can be drawn, cut out, copied to make additions, and then mounted on a new sheet of paper. Complex interactions can also be imitated with simple prototypes.
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Prototyping High Fidelity applications
Application prototypingHi-Fi (High-fidelity), work in a way similar to the actual product. Teams usually create high-fidelity prototypes when they have a clear understanding of what they are going to build, and they need to either test it with real users or get final design approval from stakeholders.
Application of High Fidelity prototypes:
- Visual design:Realistic and detailed design – all interface elements, spacing and graphics look like a real app or website.
- Contents:Designers use real or real-like content. The prototype contains most or all of the content that will appear in the final design.
- Interactivity:the prototypes are very realistic in terms of interaction.
Benefits of High Fidelity prototypes:
- Quick feedback.Prototyping Hi-Fi applications often look like real products to users. This means that during a usability testing session, test participants will be more likely to behave naturally – as if they were interacting with a real product.
- Testabilityspecific user interface elements orinteractions. With hi-fi interactivity, you can test graphical elements such as affordance or specific interactions such as animated transitions and micro-interactions.
- Easier „imaging ideas”.This type of prototype is also suitable for presentation to stakeholders. It gives customers and potential investors a clear picture of how the product should work. A great, high-fidelity prototype sparks design enthusiasm in a way that a lo-fi prototype system cannot.
What tools should you use for prototyping?
| Tool | Description | Advantages | Defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figma | Figma allows you to prototype mobile and web applications in both low and high mapping with some limitations. It offers a design environment that enables real-time collaboration, history and versioning. | 1. Easy to use for beginners; 2. Ensures a smooth transition from low to high representation prototyping; 3. It has many plugins and integrations. |
1. May be too simple for advanced users; 2. May be slow when working with large files. |
| Sketch | Sketch is a Mac-only design tool that lets you design high-fidelity prototypes. It offers a range of features such as vector editing and pixel design. | 1. It has a large user community, with many plugins and integrations; 2. Enables easy collaboration with developers; 3. Offers many features to create detailed designs. |
1. Availability limited to Mac computers only; 2. May be difficult to learn for beginners. |
| Adobe XD | Adobe XD is a cross-platform design tool that allows you to design prototypes in both low and high rendition. It offers a range of features such as vector editing and responsive design. | 1. It has a large user community, with many plugins and integrations; 2. Offers seamless integration with other Adobe products; 3. Enables easy collaboration with developers. |
1. May be slow when working with large files; 2. May be too complicated for beginners. |
| InVision Studio | InVision Studio is a cross-platform design tool that allows you to create both low- and high-resolution prototypes. It offers a range of features such as vector design and motion design. | 1. Offers an easy-to-use interface that is suitable for beginners; 2. Provides a range of features to create detailed designs; 3. Enables easy collaboration with developers. |
1. Too many restrictions for large projects, 2. Limitations on interactions, 2. May be slow when working with large files. |
| Axure RP | Axure RP is a desktop design tool that allows you to design high-fidelity prototypes. It offers a range of features such as conditional logic and dynamic data. | 1. Offers many features to create complex designs; 2. Enables easy collaboration with developers; 3. Provides multiple options for interaction prototyping. |
1. May be difficult for beginners to learn; 2. May be too complex for simple projects. |
| Marvel | Marvel is a cloud-based design tool that allows you to create both low- and high-resolution prototypes. It offers a range of features such as vector design and real-time collaboration. | 1. Offers an easy-to-use interface that is suitable for beginners; 2. Provides a range of features to create detailed designs; 3. Enables easy collaboration with developers. |
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| Balsamiq | Balsamiq allows you to design low-resolution prototypes. It offers a number of functions, such as drag&drop of elements from a ready-made component library. | 1. Offers an easy-to-use interface that is suitable for beginners; 2. Provides many ready-made components for rapid prototyping; 3. Enables easy collaboration with developers. |
1. Limited functions for creating high-fidelity prototypes; 2. May be too simple for complex designs. |
Source:The Adobe Blog
See also:Why Userflow is an important step in designing a User Experience Strategy
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