Prototyping: testable concepts

Prototypes: a tried-and-tested tool for highest quality

Prototypes help to visually transform the requirements of a Website.
Corrections to the interface and to the underlying processes can be rapidly implemented at this level, without having to make any far-reaching changes to the technical basis.
Therefore, prototypes are not only an efficient use of spending and tried-and-trusted means of communication between the customer and the kuehlhaus AG, but also between the offeror and the user.
By using prototypes, designs can be presented to the user at an early stage and with the user’s help these can be evaluated using so-called Usability Tests.

The customer receives a qualitatively high-value product and a deeper understanding of his/her target group than would have been the case if traditional development methods had been used. The acceptance of the website is assured thanks to the tests and the risks of wrong development are reduced to a minimum by the inclusion of all requirements. The development duration is reduced thanks to a clearly structured concept and well-thought-out processes and the maintenance costs are kept to a minimum. The technical feasibility is tested using the prototype phase and viability within the scope of the predefined time and costs is guaranteed.

Thus, prototyping serves as:

Communication and evaluation tool
Tool for the visualisation of the requirements
Definition instrument for interactive processes
Basis for later development

The customer can rest assured that the end product will meet both his/her and the user’s expectations.
Using Business Centered Design Models also ensures that the intended corporate goals are closely incorporated into the prototypes.

Prototype as communication basis for Customer, Agency, User and Technology

Prototyping Methods of the kuehlhaus AG:

Low-Fidelity Prototypes

For instance, thanks to Low-Fidelity Prototypes, Scribbles and Storyboards a wide range of variations and solution approaches can be thought through and visualised. This method is recommended, above all, in an early design phase.

High-Fidelity Prototypes

High-Fidelity Prototypes, e.g. interactive wireframes (so-called Click Dummies) are particularly suited for testing the interaction with the users. Furthermore, they serve as a concrete basis for the interface design and the implementation.

You can find out more about the subject of early prototyping, rapid prototyping and the advantages of these methods from our information brochure.

kuehlhaus Factsheet Rapid Prototyping
(PDF 595 KB)