Low vs. high-fidelity prototyping debate

Reviewer: John Wesley Courtner

Low-fidelity prototypes are rapidly generated and have great advantages in early requirements gathering. In contrast, high-fidelity prototypes have full functionality and give the user a good feel for how the product will operate. They are expensive, however. The authors present advantages and disadvantages of each type of prototype and give tips on how to use each. For example, low-fidelity prototypes should be used to experiment with design concepts, while high-fidelity prototypes should be used for teaching and marketing. The authors cite discussions in the literature about the debate over “whether prototypes need to be complete, realistic, or reusable to be effective.” In the end, however, they conclude that the debate is moot, and that both low- and high-fidelity prototypes have a place in the design process. The paper is easy to read and well organized, featuring a good set of references. I do wonder, however, why there is so much discussion over a subject that is “moot.”