Paper prototyping is a quick and cheap way of gaining insights without the need for costly investment. It simulates the function but not the aesthetic of a proposed design.
1. Determine the aspects that will be tested. (content, form, structure, ‘tone’, key functionality, etc.).
2. Develop a paper version of the concept that allows to test the different aspects.
3. Recruit participants for the test.
4. Conduct the test, do not guide users too much and validate the concept.
5. Take notes of what works and what needs to be changed.
WHEN
In the initial stages of a concept.
WHY
Quickly validate functions of a design with a low cost.
NOTE!
Paper prototyping does not have to validate aesthetics, it should focus on functionalities.
OUTPUT
Test results of the concept that can be revised and improved on to develop further.
Next
Identify what worked and what didn’t. Refine the concept based on the insights.
Reference
BENYON, David. Designing interactive systems: a comprehensive guide to HCI and interaction design . cf: 8 Envisonment. 2010./ MARTINI, Molly C.; SMITH, Melissa AB; YOUMANS, Robert J. A Comparison of Prototyping on Paper (POP) Software and Traditional Paper Prototyping for Developing Mobile Products with Optimal User Experience. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. SAGE Publications, 2014. p. 1849-1853./