Mixed-fidelity prototyping of user interfaces

This research presents a new technique for user interface prototyping, called mixed-fidelity prototyping. Mixed-fidelity prototyping combines low-, medium-, and high-fidelity interface elements within a single prototype in a lightweight manner, supporting independent refinement of individual elements. The approach allows designers to investigate alternate designs, including more innovative designs, and elicit feedback from stakeholders without having to commit too early in the process. As well, the approach encourages collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the design process. For example, individuals who specialize in specific fidelities, such as high-fidelity components, are able to become involved earlier on in the process. We developed a conceptual model called the Region Model and implemented a proof-of-concept system called ProtoMixer. We demonstrated the mixed-fidelity approach by using ProtoMixer to design an example application. ProtoMixer has several benefits over other existing prototyping tools. With ProtoMixer, prototypes can be composed of multiple fidelities, and elements are easily refined and transitioned between different fidelities. Individual elements can be tied into data and functionality, and can be executed inside prototypes. As well, traditional informal practices such as sketching and storyboarding are supported. Furthermore, ProtoMixer is designed for collaborative use on a high-resolution, large display workspace

Applications of high and low fidelity prototypes in researching intuitive interaction

This paper addresses some of the issues involved in incorporating use of prototypes into a research program. Definitions, merits and uses of both low and high-fidelity prototypes are discussed and then the applications of prototypes in our research program into intuitive interaction are explored. It has previously been established that intuitive interaction is based on past experience, and can be encouraged by designing interfaces that contain familiar features (Blackler, 2006; Blackler, Popovic, & Mahar, 2007b). Two aspects of the research program which are relevant to prototyping are: researching the issues of how intuitive use happens and how it can be better facilitated; and developing ways to help designers include investigations about users and their existing knowledge into their design processes in order to make interfaces more intuitive. The current and future planned applications of high and low-fidelity prototypes in each of these areas are explored. Then experiences with using high-fidelity touchscreen prototypes for experimental research into intuitive interaction are discussed, including problems with the prototypes, how they were addressed and what we have learned from the process. Next the potential for low-fidelity prototypes to elicit users’ tacit knowledge during the design process is explored. This has exciting possibilities due to the link between intuitive interaction and tacit knowledge. Finally, the challenges of developing prototype-based design tools for use by older people are discussed and future directions for using prototypes in our research program are considered. Keywords: Prototypes; intuitive interaction; experimental methodology; implicit or tacit knowledge</p

Enabling designers to generate concepts of interactive product behaviours: a mixed reality design approach

To design interactive behaviours for their products designers/makers have to use high fidelity tools like ‘electronic prototyping kits’, involving sensors and programming to incorporate interactions in their products and are dependent on availability of hardware. Not every designer is comfortable using such tools to ideate and test their concept ideas, eventually slowing them down in the process. Thus, there is a need for a design tool that reduces dependence on complex components of such tools while exploring new concepts for product design at an early stage. In this work, we propose a Mixed Reality system that we developed to simulate interactive behaviours of products using designed visual interaction blocks. The system is implemented in three stages: idea generation, creating interactions and revision of interactive behaviours. The implemented virtual scenario showed to elicit high motivation and appeal among users resulting in inventive and creative design experience at the same time. As a result, designers will be able to create and revise their interaction-behavioural design concepts virtually with relative ease, resulting in higher concept generation and their validation

Paper-based Mixed Reality Sketch Augmentation as a Conceptual Design Support Tool

This undergraduate student paper explores usage of mixed reality techniques as support tools for conceptual design. A proof-of-concept was developed to illustrate this principle. Using this as an example, a small group of designers was interviewed to determine their views on the use of this technology. These interviews are the main contribution of this paper. Several interesting applications were determined, suggesting possible usage in a wide range of domains. Paper-based sketching, mixed reality and sketch augmentation techniques complement each other, and the combination results in a highly intuitive interface

An empirical study of the “prototype walkthrough”: a studio-based activity for HCI education

For over a century, studio-based instruction has served as an effective pedagogical model in architecture and fine arts education. Because of its design orientation, human-computer interaction (HCI) education is an excellent venue for studio-based instruction. In an HCI course, we have been exploring a studio-based learning activity called the prototype walkthrough, in which a student project team simulates its evolving user interface prototype while a student audience member acts as a test user. The audience is encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback. We have observed that prototype walkthroughs create excellent conditions for learning about user interface design. In order to better understand the educational value of the activity, we performed a content analysis of a video corpus of 16 prototype walkthroughs held in two HCI courses. We found that the prototype walkthrough discussions were dominated by relevant design issues. Moreover, mirroring the justification behavior of the expert instructor, students justified over 80 percent of their design statements and critiques, with nearly one-quarter of those justifications having a theoretical or empirical basis. Our findings suggest that PWs provide valuable opportunities for students to actively learn HCI design by participating in authentic practice, and provide insight into how such opportunities can be best promoted

Human-Centered Approaches in Geovisualization Design: Investigating Multiple Methods Through a Long-Term Case Study

Working with three domain specialists we investigate human-centered approaches to geovisualization following an ISO13407 taxonomy covering context of use, requirements and early stages of design. Our case study, undertaken over three years, draws attention to repeating trends: that generic approaches fail to elicit adequate requirements for geovis application design; that the use of real data is key to understanding needs and possibilities; that trust and knowledge must be built and developed with collaborators. These processes take time but modified human-centred approaches can be effective. A scenario developed through contextual inquiry but supplemented with domain data and graphics is useful to geovis designers. Wireframe, paper and digital prototypes enable successful communication between specialist and geovis domains when incorporating real and interesting data, prompting exploratory behaviour and eliciting previously unconsidered requirements. Paper prototypes are particularly successful at eliciting suggestions, especially for novel visualization. Enabling specialists to explore their data freely with a digital prototype is as effective as using a structured task protocol and is easier to administer. Autoethnography has potential for framing the design process. We conclude that a common understanding of context of use, domain data and visualization possibilities are essential to successful geovis design and develop as this progresses. HC approaches can make a significant contribution here. However, modified approaches, applied with flexibility, are most promising. We advise early, collaborative engagement with data – through simple, transient visual artefacts supported by data sketches and existing designs – before moving to successively more sophisticated data wireframes and data prototypes

Prototypointimenetelmien käyttö käyttäjäkeskeisessä suunnitteluprosessissa

To stay competitive in the rapidly evolving business environment, organizations need to be able to create innovations. Novel new products are often created with experimentation, which means that organizations need to use practices that support experimentation. Prototyping is one such practice. Agile software development embraces changing requirements, which makes it suitable for experimentation-driven product development. The overall research problem considers how different types of prototyping approaches can support fast-paced product development in an agile software development project. Research questions include: 1. How to improve prototyping for fast-paced agile software development? 2. How can prototyping support agile requirements engineering? The research consists of two main parts: literature review and empirical research, which includes action research and interviews. Prototyping could be improved for the purposes of fast-paced agile software projects by using simplified prototypes and small focused prototypes to make it possible to iterate the design of user interface elements faster. Additionally, low-fidelity prototyping and participatory design could be useful for agile projects. To make large high-fidelity prototypes faster to iterate, better tooling is needed. Prototyping can support agile requirements engineering e.g. by acting as documentation, facilitating communication and by making big picture clearer.Pysyäkseen kilpailukykyisinä nopeasti kehittyvässä liiketoimintaympäristössä organisaatioiden pitää kyetä luomaan innovaatioita. Uudenlaiset tuotteet saadaan usein aikaiseksi kokeilujen avulla, mistä johtuen on käytettävä käytäntöjä, jotka tukevat kokeilujen tekemistä. Prototypointi on yksi tällainen käytäntö. Ketterä ohjelmistokehitys ottaa halukkaasti vastaan muuttuvat vaatimusmääritykset, joten se soveltuu kokeiluita hyödyntävään tuotteiden kehitykseen. Tutkimusongelma tarkastelee, kuinka erilaiset prototypointitavat tukevat nopeatempoista tuotekehitystä ketterässä ohjelmistokehitysprojektissa. Tutkimuskysymykset ovat: 1. Kuinka prototypointia voidaan kehittää nopeatempoista ketterää ohjelmistokehitystä varten? 2. Kuinka prototypointi tukee ketterää vaatimusmäärittelyä? Tutkimus sisältää kaksi pääosaa: kirjallisuuskatsauksen ja kokeellisen osan, joka koostuu haastatteluista ja toimintatutkimuksesta. Prototypointia voidaan kehittää nopeatempoisten ketterien ohjelmistoprojektien tarpeisiin käyttämällä yksinkertaistettuja prototyyppejä sekä pienempiä ja fokusoituneempia prototyyppejä käyttöliittymäelementtien designin iteroinnin nopeuttamiseksi. Matalan tarkkuuden prototyypit ja osallistava suunnittelu voivat myös olla avuksi ketterissä projekteissa. Isojen korkean tarkkuuden prototyyppien iteroinnin nopeuttaminen vaatii uusien työkalujen kehittämistä. Prototypointi voi tukea ketterää vaatimusmäärittelyä esim. toimimalla dokumentaationa, helpottamalla kommunikaatiota ja tekemällä ns. ison kuvan selvemmäksi