Design Thinking Methods Catalogue

# Prototype

# Mock-Ups

Purpose
Click Dummies for simulation and test
Time required
From 1 hour to 1 day
Participants
Design Thinking team
Level of experience
experienced

# What is it about?

Mock-ups are dummies that simulate the user interface of an executable program, sometimes even functions. This makes it possible to test the planned solution before developing it completely.

# The goal

Mock-ups should feel realistic so that testers and customers can provide specific feedback and ask specific questions. User tests with mock-ups increase the quality and user-friendliness of the developed program already before its first completion.

# How to do it?

  1. Define which components of the idea should be represented.
  2. Decide on an implementation form (paper, mock-up tool).
  3. First design the frame components.
  4. Then move on to designing the more specific components.

# When do you need it?

Mock-ups are useful when promising ideas have already been further developed and they result in a consistent concept. It is precisely then that mock-ups can be used to test whether this solution is visually feasible and clear for the user. The mock-up gived the customer a first realistic impression of the later program.

# Resources

  • Adobe Photoshop, Axure RP
  • HTML 5 Editors
  • if necessary paper, scissors, glue

# Advantages

With the help of mock-ups, functionalities can be tested at an early stage and errors can be detected before the programming, and different implementations and their limits can be made visible.

# Disadvantages

It’s important to be as realistic and clean as possible, but even the untrained eye can often tell that it’s a mockup.

# Keep in mind

Depending on the application, mock-ups can also be physical objects. In any case, concentrate on the surface or appearance and don't dwell on the functionality behind it. In general, don't get lost in details.

# See also

Previous methods Alternative methods Following methods

# Sources

← Paper prototypes →