High-fidelity prototypes are computer-based interactive representations of a product that closely resemble its final version. In high-fidelity, the word ‘high’ or ‘hi’ refers to a comprehensive level that allows you to check usability in detail and analyze user behavior.
2. Purpose of High Fidelity Prototypes
● When you want to generate or validate design ideas
● When you communicate interaction design ideas
● For user and usability testing
● When you want to check how users and their behaviors are affected by transitions and
animations
● When you want some kind of user survey or feedback to learn how your targeted users feel
about your product
3. What are the High Fidelity Prototypes?
High-fidelity prototypes are computer-based
interactive representations of a product that
closely resemble its final version. In
high-fidelity, the word ‘high’ or ‘hi’ refers to a
comprehensive level that allows you to check
usability in detail and analyze user behavior.
4. Advantages of Using High Fidelity Prototypes
● It is easier to collaborate with developers when they have access to high-fidelity interactive prototypes
since they can gain a better understanding of how the application should run and behave.
● A prototype can save both time and money for the company when building something that may not be
successful on the market.
● Project management can make accurate estimates of how much time is needed for implementing and
testing quality assurance based on the high-fidelity prototype.
5. Drawbacks of High Fidelity Prototypes
● As there are two sides to a coin, just noting the advantages of hi-fi prototypes and
ignoring the drawbacks can also be harmful to your product. The following are two of
the most challenging points about these.
● As it takes more time to change the designs, making quick fixes between the users
during a usability test becomes harder.
● Prototypes produced with high fidelity require more resources and money than
prototypes with low fidelity.
6. Conclusion
Product fidelity is what matters the most. In addition to testing ideas
and assumptions, prototyping can be used to gain a better
understanding of your users or to help your design team narrow down
the options.
Getting to the success point requires hiring full-time developers with
high-fidelity prototyping skills.