Unit 4

Question 1

What are Horizontal Prototypes?

Answer 1

Horizontal prototypes are those in which a wide range of screens and views are accessible, but the underlying functionality, such as connection to databases, search functions, or personalization, is not implemented.

Question 2

What is paper prototyping?

Answer 2

Paper prototyping is a method in which a paper version of an interface is used for quick usability tests

Question 3

What are video prototypes?

Answer 3

Video prototypes are short films that depict the operation of the interface in its application context

Question 4

What are the benefits of holistic video prototypes?

Answer 4

This is especially important for applications where changes of location play a role or for those that facilitate collaboration in teams or other situations

Question 5

What is a video prototype well-suited for?

Answer 5

A video prototype is well suited to further implement processes that have already been documented in the form of application scenarios or storyboards.

Question 6

What are programmed prototypes?

Answer 6

Programmed prototypes are true-to-life versions of an interface with reduced functionality

Question 7

What are programmed prototypes suitable for?

Answer 7

Due to their high-quality appearance, they are suitable for internal presentations to management representatives, external presentations, as well as formal usability tests

Question 8

How are the results from the design phase elaborated?

Answer 8

Guidelines and style guides are used to elaborate the results from the design phase in the form of principles and precise specifications and to document them in detail for collaboration.

Question 9

What is corporate identity in UX design?

Answer 9

The totality of aspects of a companyʼs self-image is referred to as corporate identity. It is expressed, for example, in corporate design, which includes presentation details, such as fonts, logos, colors, and design grids

Question 10

What is a design system?

Answer 10

A comprehensive overview of a companyʼs style and corporate identity in a single document that combines multiple aspects and application areas

Question 11

What are interface guidelines?

Answer 11

User interface guidelines serve to describe the principles and rules that must be observed when implementing the user interface.

Question 12

What are included in (user interface) guidlines?

Answer 12

Guidelines include descriptions of the following:

• control elements such as links, drop-down menus, selection boxes, or search functions
• controls, such as tool areas or menus
• view elements, such as sidebars, tabs, or column views
• display elements, such as progress bars or modified cursor indicators
• messages, such as error messages, warnings, confirmations, and notifications
• input options, such as mouse, keyboard, and touchpad, or drag & drop
• window elements, such as dialog boxes, wizards, property windows, or dialog boxes

Question 13

What are pattern libraries?

Answer 13

These are patterns that are sorted by content into application areas and hierarchically structured according to those patterns that regulate the superordinate structure and those that concern concrete parts of the implementation

Question 14

What is a style guide?

Answer 14

Style guides are comprehensive working documents in which all aspects of the visual appearance of a user interface are described and illustrated with examples

Question 15

What is specified by a style guide?

Answer 15

Style guides may specify:

• typographic details, such as font types, font weights, and formatting specifications for text, as well as the use of different font styles and sizes.
• colors and explanations of color use.
• the description and placement of important functional and content components, such as menus, logos, titles, text, and images.
• functional and design layouts with a pixel-perfect layout grid, an explanation of the grid system, and a description of the layout schemes of important subpages and views.
• information on the use of the companyʼs corporate identity and corporate design or the branding of the product

Question 16

Unit 4 Summary

Answer 16

As a basis for a good user experience, a number of methods exist that can be used to test structure, function, and appearance in individual cases. Card sorting is an effective method to create a user-oriented information architecture. With the help of sketches and scribbles, various different designs for the layout and interactivity of a user interface can be visualized and compared in early project phases. The selection and placement of screen elements are then done via wireframes, which allow for a more precise representation of the structure and content and can be linked interactively. Paper prototyping is an inexpensive and fast method to test the structure and design of the interface on a conceptual level.

Video prototyping and programmed prototypes, which have a higher visual representation fidelity, are suitable as further prototyping methods for later project phases. The selection of an appropriate method is determined by the project phase, the type of user requirement to be verified, and the dimension to which this requirement relates. The results of the design process are formulated and illustrated in the form of guidelines and style guides. These serve as the basis for the final development.

Question 17

What is Wireframing in UX Design?

Answer 17

Wireframing is a low-fidelity method of sketching or outlining the basic layout and components of a webpage or app. It focuses on the allocation of space, prioritization of content, functionalities available, and intended behaviors. It’s a crucial step in the UX design process as it helps in visualizing the basic structure of a page or screen before detailed design and development.

Question 18

What are the key components of a wireframe?

Answer 18

Key components of a wireframe typically include:

• Layout structure (like headers, footers, navigation bars)
• Content placement (text, images, buttons)
• Functionality (how elements will work)
• User interaction (how users will interact with the interface)
• Annotations and descriptions (to explain and guide development)

Question 19

What are the differences between low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframes?

Answer 19

Low-fidelity wireframes are basic and often hand-drawn, focusing on layout and big-picture design, without detailed graphics or content.

High-fidelity wireframes are more detailed, often created using digital tools, and include more precise layout, typography, colors, and sometimes even functional elements.

Question 20

Why is wireframing important in the UX design process?

Answer 20

Wireframing is important because:

• It helps in clarifying and communicating the design ideas and concepts.
• Facilitates early testing and feedback, allowing for iterative improvements.
• Serves as a guide for designers and developers.
• Helps in planning the layout and interaction without distractions of design elements like colors and typography.
• Saves time and resources in the long run by identifying issues early.

Question 21

What tools are commonly used for creating wireframes?

Answer 21

Common tools for creating wireframes include:

• Sketch
• Adobe XD
• Balsamiq
• Axure RP
• Figma
• Wireframe.cc

These tools range from basic to advanced and can cater to both low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframe creation. The choice of tool often depends on the complexity of the project and the designer’s preference.

Question 22

What is Card Sorting in UX Design?

Answer 22

Card sorting is a user research technique used in UX design to help design or evaluate the information architecture of a site. In this process, participants organize topics into categories that make sense to them and may also help label these groups. This technique provides insight into users’ mental models, helping designers create intuitive navigation and information structures.

Question 23

What are the different types of Card Sorting?

Answer 23

There are three main types of card sorting:

• Open Card Sorting: Participants sort cards into groups and label each group themselves. This is useful for understanding how users categorize information naturally.
• Closed Card Sorting: Participants sort cards into predefined categories. This is useful for testing existing structures.
• Hybrid Card Sorting: A combination of both, where participants can sort cards into predefined categories and also create new categories if needed. This offers a balance between exploring user perspectives and testing existing structures.

Question 24

What are the best practices for conducting a Card Sorting session?

Answer 24

Best practices for conducting a Card Sorting session include:

• Clearly defining the goal of the session.
• Choosing the right type of card sorting (open, closed, or hybrid) based on the project needs.
• Creating a representative set of cards based on the content or features of your site or application.
• Providing clear instructions to participants.
• Ensuring a diverse group of participants to get varied insights.
• Analyzing the results to identify patterns and trends in how participants organize and categorize information.
• Using findings to inform or validate the information architecture of the project.