Prototyping for usability of new technology

This paper argues that it is possible to gain good design information from low-cost user trials of low-fidelity prototypes early in the design process, and that simple prototyping is a valuable tool in the user-centred design of new technology especially "smart" consumer products. The value of that design information depends on the stage of the design process at which user testing is carried out and the associated level of realism or fidelity of the prototype. The first stages involve testing simple prototypes which examine the cognitive, or information processing, needs of the user, followed by higher-fidelity prototypes which examine the physical (visual, auditory and tactile) needs of the user. The results of four studies are discussed to illustrate: the extent and nature of the design information gathered, the relative merits of varying the fidelity of the prototypes, and the benefits and costs associated with using different levels of fidelity of prototypes in a user-centred approach to design. Finally, and based on that discussion, an appropriate and practical design strategy is suggested. (C) 2001 Academic Press.