UIEtips: Prototyping’s Resurgence – Communicating the Designer’s Intent

Imagine two designers. One is really imaginative and inventive, but hasn’t spent any time learning how to use any of the prototyping tools available today. The other has mastered multiple prototyping techniques quite proficiently, but isn’t particularly imaginative or inventive.

Which one would more likely produce a portfolio of great designs over time? Our research suggests the proficient prototyper will beat the innovator.

The prototyper has the advantage of quick iterations on their side. While their initial designs won’t be anything special, they can get immediate feedback, make changes, and try again. Over time, their designs will evolve into something quite special.

In today’s UIEtips, I explore how prototyping is coming back as an important design tool. Starting with a brief history of prototyping and why it went away for a while. We look at how the best teams are making investments in mastering multiple prototyping methods, to give themselves the best flexibility.

Read today’s article: Prototyping’s Resurgence – Communicating the Designer’s Intent

At our April UX Immersion Conference, Dave McFarland has put together a full-day workshop to help any designer learn to become proficient using JavaScript and jQuery, two of today’s most powerful prototyping tools. See Dave’s workshop details.