21.07.2013 Views

User Interface Design and Ergonomics - National Open University of ...

User Interface Design and Ergonomics - National Open University of ...

User Interface Design and Ergonomics - National Open University of ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

UNIT 1 PROTOTYPING<br />

Table <strong>of</strong> Contents<br />

1.0 Introduction<br />

2.0 Objectives<br />

3.0 Main Content<br />

3.1 Prototyping<br />

3.2 <strong>User</strong> <strong>Interface</strong> Prototyping Process<br />

3.3 Prototyping Tips <strong>and</strong> Techniques<br />

3.4 <strong>Interface</strong>-Flow Diagram<br />

4.0 Conclusion<br />

5.0 Summary<br />

6.0 Tutor Marked Assignment<br />

7.0 Further Reading <strong>and</strong> Other Resources<br />

1.0 INTRODUCTION<br />

This unit will give you a general underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> prototyping. <strong>User</strong> interface prototyping<br />

will be discussed in details as well as the various tips <strong>and</strong> techniques <strong>of</strong> prototyping.<br />

2.0 OBJECTIVES<br />

By the end this unit, you should be able to:<br />

Explain Prototyping in detail.<br />

Describe the <strong>User</strong> interface Prototyping Process.<br />

Highlight various tips <strong>and</strong> techniques in Prototyping.<br />

Describe <strong>Interface</strong>-Flow Diagram.<br />

3.0 MAIN CONTENT<br />

3.1 PROTOTYPING<br />

A prototype is a concrete, but partial implementation <strong>of</strong> a system design. Prototypes are<br />

used extensively in design <strong>and</strong> construction work; to demonstrate a concept (e.g. a<br />

prototype car), in early design, later design <strong>and</strong> as specification. It may be made <strong>of</strong> paper<br />

<strong>and</strong> cardboard or it may use a sophisticated s<strong>of</strong>tware package.<br />

Prototyping involves creating mock-ups representing the user interface <strong>of</strong> the final<br />

design. Prototypes serve as a common language with users, s<strong>of</strong>tware engineers, <strong>and</strong> other<br />

stakeholders, <strong>of</strong>fering a way for designers to explore design ideas <strong>and</strong> elicit feedback<br />

from users prior to committing to designs. Since prototyping helps flesh out<br />

requirements, prototypes may be used as a specification for developers. Prototyping is<br />

important in arriving at a well-designed user interface, <strong>and</strong> from many users’ perspective<br />

the user interface is the s<strong>of</strong>tware. Prototyping is very important for ensuring the most<br />

usable, accurate, <strong>and</strong> attractive design is found for the final product.<br />

110

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!