Rapid Prototyping
Active optimisation instead of capture and documentation
Aims
- Quick and efficient optimisation of website prototypes or user interfaces which are to be developed as rapidly as possible.
- Elimination of errors during testing phase.
Application
- Testing of various design options for new features.
- Testing a re-launch:
- How can planned process improvements / layout changes be implemented fully, and to the benefit of the user?
- How can obstacles discovered during tests be removed simply?
- Possible samples:
- Fully functional, current Internet presences.
- Internet presence prototypes (e.g. linked screenshots) or only rudimentarily linked websites.
- For paper prototyping, even simple design sketches are sufficient.
Process
- Testing of core tasks with users from the target group.
- 3-phase test:
- Phase 1: Test with 3 – 4 respondents. Discussion of results in test team. Concrete suggestions relating to design / improvement are put forward, which are quickly implemented by Psyma research staff or by the agency.
- Phase 2: Test of new version, again with 3 – 4 users. These results form the basis of further design improvements.
- Phase 3: Test of re-worked version.
- Strongly implementation- and result-oriented, rapid reporting.
- Test studio, with facilities for observation and video recording.
- Carried out by experienced usability experts.
- Important: responsible contact at the customer’s / at the agency (rapid decision-making!)
- Small sample size (9 – 12 interviews = 3 – 4 respondents per phase).
- Strong emphasis on usability and acceptance of content / processes.
- Optional: eye tracking .

