Prototyping

A representative user interface prototype project will include high level and detailed prototyping stages. These prototypes are critical GUI development tools. High-level prototype design focuses on the overall organization of workflow and screen layout including:

•    GUI-wide information architecture

•    Screen-level information architecture

•    Navigation models and categories

•    Visual design themes

•    Interaction modes

Low-level or detailed prototyping focuses on specific user interface element design, including:

•    Screen-level detailed visual design

•    GUI design development such as state-changes, animation, transitions and sound

•    Refinement and further definition of navigation and information architecture

One of the most effective GUI development tools for detailed prototyping is Flash. Flash as a development tool allows us to quickly create realistic, interactive prototypes and simulations for proposed interface designs. In some cases these GUI development tools can serve as the basic code for the finished GUI as well.

The Flash prototyping process is preceded by the design of detailed static screens and the specification of interaction modes and behaviors. For example, visual transitions between screen states such as moving, fading and zooming. Once these visuals and behaviors have been developed and documented the Flash GUI prototype development can take place.

Flash GUI prototypes are a useful tool for conducting usability testing in an interactive manner with web-based, stand alone, touch screen and even mobile or handheld GUI applications. Prototype tools also serve as “living documents” to communicate interactive functionality to software development teams beyond traditional GUI development documentation.

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