Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Design and Refine User Interfaces – Carolyn Snyder

Category : Designing for Usability

Carolyn Snyder proposes a definition of paper prototyping as ‘a variation of usability testing where representative users […] [interact] with a paper version of the interface that is manipulated by a person “playing computer” ‘ (italicized in original, p.4).

The aim of her book is to extend the practice of paper prototyping to a variety of HCI platforms for non-expert users to adopt as a practical tool for creating and testing their products during the development process. Paper prototyping (usability testing, or user-centeredness) help generate useful, intuitive,efficient, and pleasing products for user experiences.

In her book, she offers a brief template for organizing and conducting a usability test: “choose the type of user […], determine some typical tasks […], make screen-shots and/or hand-made [sketches], conduct a usability test [by asking the] user to attempt the tasks by interacting directly with the prototype, [as] one or two of you play the role of “computer” [have a] facilitator [conduct] the session while other members of the product team act as note-taking observers.” (p.5)

To frame more her definition of prototyping, Snyder emphasizes the need for realistic content, which, she observes, often tempts designers in confusing comps, wireframes, and storyboards as paper prototypes. She explains that although they represent different sketching styles, they could only be used for usability tests if they included realistic content (no dummy text or temporary reminders such as ‘image info.’, etc.).

Here are her resumed prototyping benefits: gathering user feedback early on; permitting iterative design; facilitating designer-user dialogue; “does not require any technical skills”; and “encourages creativity.” (p.12)

She then discusses paper prototyping as related to participatory design in its approach since the 1980’s. As she explains, prototyping concepts have become more and more accessible and her aim is to make it more desirable as a design tool for the betterment of our product implementation and user satisfaction.

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