Pen and paper are still the most useful tools in the early digital stages for a UX designer. Paper prototyping can be very useful in the early-stage conceptualizing. During this stage, the team need to different concepts to find the best solution. A paper prototype allows quick visualization for everyone involved.
A prototyping is a mockup of the final product to test whether or not the flow is a smooth user experience. Prototypes are an important part of designing user flows. They give the designer a platform to show their design in an interactive real time environment. It helps the team and client have a better understanding of the final design.
Prototypes can be created at any stage of the design process to help demonstrate ideas that might be difficult to express with words alone. Pencil and paper are the best tools for getting ideas out quickly and with minimal cost. During the initial design stages, rough user flows and wireframes can be enough to show off various screen states and get an idea across. Designers will sometimes use a software to take photos of their paper sketches and turn them directly into interactive prototypes quickly.
Paper prototyping doesn’t require special skills which means anyone can participate in this process. You can easily do paper prototyping as a group activity which may lead to further brainstorming. An important advantage of paper prototypes is they don’t appear to have taken too much of your time. Because of this, people tend to feel more comfortable critiquing the sketches rather than a finished product.
Holly Checchia 