Overview
Now that you have chosen one idea from your brainstorming session, the next step is to turn that idea into a low-fidelity prototype.
Low-fidelity (lo-fi) prototypes are simple, quick, and inexpensive representations of your design. They help you communicate how your idea will work without focusing on visuals, colors, or final graphics. [maybe add a link to the content , as in the lecture so they can go back to it]
Learning Goals
- To make your design idea visible and testable.
- To explore how users might interact with your idea.
- To allow for quick revisions without worrying about visuals.
- To keep the focus on concept, function, and flow, not aesthetics.
Instructions
Choose ONE Format Below:
1. Storyboard
A storyboard illustrates how a user interacts with your design step-by-step.
What to include:
- 4-8 panels (like a comic strip)
- A character (user)
- A problem they face
- How your solution helps them
- The outcome
Simple template:
Panel 1: User encountering a problem
Panel 2: User learns about your product/app/device
Panel 3: User tries the first key feature
Panel 4: System response
Panel 5: User continues using other features
Panel 6: The problem is solved / improved
You can draw stick figures, but keep it very simple!
2. Paper Interface Prototype
This is perfect if your idea is an app, website, or digital tool.
How to create it:
- Use blank paper or sticky notes.
- Draw screens of your interface.
- Show buttons, menus, basic layout.
- Use arrows to show navigation (what screen leads to what screen).
- No color, no polished design.
Include:
- Home screen
- Main action screen
- A sample flow (how a user completes one task)
3. Physical Mockup
If your idea is a physical device, product, or environment.
Materials you can use:
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Tape
- Clay / Play-Doh
- Recycled materials
- Anything simple
What to show:
- The general shape
- Key physical features
- How it’s used
You can take photos of your mockup for your submission.
Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (5 pts) | Good (4 pts) | Satisfactory (3 pts) | Needs Improvement (1-2 pts) | Score (0-5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Concept | Prototype clearly represents the idea; user flow/purpose easy to understand. | Idea mostly clear with minor confusion. | Idea understandable but lacks detail in parts. | Idea unclear or incomplete. | /5 | |
| Choice of Prototyping Method | Method suits idea extremely well; enhances understanding and fully completed. | Method fits idea well with small gaps. | Method acceptable but not fully supportive. | Poor method choice or incomplete prototype. | /5 | |
| Detail & Completeness | Multiple steps/screens; essential interactions shown; full flow clear. | Most key steps shown; mostly complete. | Some steps shown but missing important details. | Minimal detail; missing major components. | /5 | |
| Creativity & Low-Fidelity Techniques | Creative use of simple materials; clearly demonstrates low-fi thinking. | Some creativity; appropriate simple materials used. | Limited creativity; mostly basic representation. | Little effort; unclear or overly minimal. | /5 | |
| Explanation / Reflection | Clear explanation of idea, method, and what prototype shows. | Good explanation with minor missing details. | Basic explanation lacking depth. | Missing or unclear explanation. | /5 | |
| TOTAL | /25 |