Prototyping for tiny fingers

{{Summary
 * title=Prototyping for Tiny Fingers
 * authors=Marc Rettig
 * tags=usability, design, HCI, CHI, lo-fi prototyping, prototyping
 * summary=This paper advocates for lo-fi prototyping and describes the process of creating, testing, and improving upon a prototype.

"Lo-fi prototyping works because it effectively educates developers to have a concern for usability and formative evaluation, and because it maximizes the number of times you get to refine your design before you must commit to code."

Advice for building a lo-fi prototype

 * 1) Have arts&crafts supplies
 * 2) Set a deadline
 * 3) Make models with 'moving parts' to simulate interactivity

Advice for preparing for a test

 * 1) Find test users--make them realistic
 * 2) Prepare test scenarios
 * 3) Practice: try testing on your own group first

Advice for conducting a test
The author suggests having 4 people with the following roles conduct the test:
 * 1) Greeter
 * 2) Faciliator
 * 3) Computer (this person simulates the computer, by performing the actions of the interface)
 * 4) Observers (who take notes, one problem per index card)

They suggest having a little more than an hour for these 3 phases:
 * 1) getting ready (assure the user that this is confidential and that you're testing the prototype, not them)
 * 2) conducting the test (NEVER tell the user how to do it)
 * 3) debriefing (gather impressions from the tester, and thank them)

Evaluation
Sorting and prioritizing notes is very important. Agree, with the team, on suggested changes. The author suggests using post-it notes directly on the paper prototype itself.

Conclusions
While people may start with skepticism, they are always surprised by how much they learn, and how useful the technique is. }}
 * relevance=Make better interfaces, faster using lo-fi or paper prototyping.
 * journal=Communications of the ACM
 * pub_date=1994 April
 * doi=10.1145/175276.175288
 * subject=Computer Science
 * vol=37
 * issue=4