Lecture on Building Low Fidelity Prototypes and Conducting UX Research

Introduction to Low Fidelity Prototypes

• Reminder of previous courses using Figma.
• Transition to using Adobe XD for building low fidelity prototypes.
• Importance of reviewing previous materials for first-time students.
• Prototypes are tools to test product ideas before full production.
  • Low Fidelity Prototypes: Simple, interactive, focus on big picture design concepts.
  • High Fidelity Prototypes: Polished designs, closely match final product.
• Transition from wireframes to prototypes involves adding functionality and navigation.

Building Low Fidelity Prototypes in Adobe XD

• Adobe XD provides new features for prototyping.
• Process involves switching from design mode to prototype mode.
• Connecting artboards to simulate user flow.
  • Example: Connecting homepage to search page and search results.
• Use of default interaction settings initially.
• Importance of previewing prototype to ensure functionality.

Preparing for Usability Testing

• Creation of a research plan as a precursor to testing.
• UX Research Plan Elements:
  • Project background, research goals, detailed questions, KPIs, methodology, participants, and script.
• Goals should align with product lifecycle stage.
• Suggestions for designing research questions and identifying KPIs.

Conducting Usability Studies

• Differentiation between moderated and unmoderated studies.
• Importance and timing of usability studies during the design process.
• Recommendation of 5-8 participants for effective study.

Addressing Bias in Usability Studies

• Common biases: implicit bias, serial position effect, friendliness bias, social desirability bias.
• Strategies to reduce bias:
  • Identify and admit biases.
  • Use representative samples and predefined research criteria.
  • Phrase questions thoughtfully.
  • Maintain neutral body language.

Analyzing and Synthesizing Research Results

• Steps to turn observations into insights:
  • Gather and organize data.
  • Identify themes and patterns.
  • Develop actionable insights.
• Insights should guide design improvements.

Iterating on Low Fidelity Designs

• Importance of incorporating feedback from usability studies.
• Example changes based on insights:
  • Making states like "in basket" more obvious.
  • Adding home navigation via logo.
• Continual iteration based on feedback is essential.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for students to iterate and improve prototypes based on usability feedback.
• Additional resources and support available through the Google UX Design Certificate program.