How can you make your prototype more realistic?

1 Choose the right fidelity

Fidelity refers to the level of detail and functionality of your prototype. Low-fidelity prototypes are simple and rough, such as sketches or wireframes. High-fidelity prototypes are more polished and interactive, such as mockups or HTML pages. Depending on your research goals, you may need to adjust the fidelity of your prototype to match the expectations and needs of your users. For example, if you want to test the usability and flow of your interface, a high-fidelity prototype may be more suitable than a low-fidelity one. However, if you want to test the concept and value proposition of your product, a low-fidelity prototype may be more effective and flexible.

2 Add realistic content

Content is the information and media that your users see and interact with on your prototype. It includes text, images, icons, audio, video, and more. Content can make or break your prototype's realism, as it can influence how your users perceive and understand your product. To make your content more realistic, you should avoid using placeholder or lorem ipsum text, generic or irrelevant images, and default or inconsistent icons. Instead, you should use real or realistic content that reflects your target audience, your brand voice, and your product features. For example, if you are prototyping a travel app, you should use content that relates to travel destinations, activities, reviews, and prices.

3 Incorporate feedback loops

Feedback loops are the ways that your prototype responds to your users' actions and inputs. They can include visual, auditory, or haptic cues, such as animations, sounds, vibrations, or pop-ups. Feedback loops can enhance your prototype's realism by creating a sense of interactivity and engagement for your users. They can also help your users understand what is happening and what they need to do next on your prototype. To incorporate feedback loops, you should consider the following aspects: timing, frequency, intensity, and relevance. For example, if your user taps on a button, you should provide a timely and appropriate feedback loop, such as changing the color of the button, playing a click sound, or showing a confirmation message.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?