Chapter 6 Summary (March 3, 2020)
Chapter six is all about prototyping the solution. We’re still in the conceptual stage and it’s building on the last chapter in that it discusses the benefits of sketching. Above all else, the author states that “Sketching is all about testing ideas, not refining”. It’s the first step toward prototyping. A prototype is a proof of concept of the idea as it stands. They are fairly sketchy, and they do not need to be have of details (i.e. inserting buttons including photos)
Another form of prototyping that also involves schedule is by creating a wireframe, which is basic skeleton for the design you are creating. It is intended to show structure, information hierarchy, functions, and content, while communicating through the lack of color and polish that it is still very much a work-in-progress. Its main purpose lies in helping you to better realize the functionality, behaviors, and content you need for different areas of your design. Creating wireframes is the first step towards understanding the transitions between states in your design, and they are a great way to progress your problem-solving beyond sketching.
I’ve created wireframes for Professor Bennet’s class before and it is indeed a healthy tool to have in handy. The book lists computer programs that a person can use to create their wireframes (i.e. Balsamiq, iRise, Axure, Photoshop, Illustrator), or they can draw up a mock in their sketchbook. I prefer and used Axure when creating wireframes as it is a pretty useful tool in adding specific information, i..e. where placeholders go (for logos, pictures, buttons, etc.)
The chapter also talks about information architecture (or IA) is the term used to describe the structure of a system, which is the way information is grouped or categorized. IA affects whether the user can actually find what they want within your product.
The prototype is described by the author as being in its “embryonic stage’, meaning its in its infancy as it is just a pattern of designs. It’s the first step in trying to get a problem solved, and through the use of wireframes and sketching,
Even though it wasn’t assigned reading material for the week, I read ahead because this stuff applies also to our group project, during which we decided hat we were going to do it on the DVC Insite page. The team came up with the questions and now we are in the process of getting those questions posted online and sending out e-mails not only to our class, but to other people who are DVC students - who are our intended target audience. Paul is finalizing the testing portion, and both Christian and I are making sure the questions are “research accurate”, so to speak, and they reflect the contents of the InSite homepage. but it should be done by the end of the week.
Another form of prototyping that also involves schedule is by creating a wireframe, which is basic skeleton for the design you are creating. It is intended to show structure, information hierarchy, functions, and content, while communicating through the lack of color and polish that it is still very much a work-in-progress. Its main purpose lies in helping you to better realize the functionality, behaviors, and content you need for different areas of your design. Creating wireframes is the first step towards understanding the transitions between states in your design, and they are a great way to progress your problem-solving beyond sketching.I’ve created wireframes for Professor Bennet’s class before and it is indeed a healthy tool to have in handy. The book lists computer programs that a person can use to create their wireframes (i.e. Balsamiq, iRise, Axure, Photoshop, Illustrator), or they can draw up a mock in their sketchbook. I prefer and used Axure when creating wireframes as it is a pretty useful tool in adding specific information, i..e. where placeholders go (for logos, pictures, buttons, etc.)
The chapter also talks about information architecture (or IA) is the term used to describe the structure of a system, which is the way information is grouped or categorized. IA affects whether the user can actually find what they want within your product.
The prototype is described by the author as being in its “embryonic stage’, meaning its in its infancy as it is just a pattern of designs. It’s the first step in trying to get a problem solved, and through the use of wireframes and sketching,
Even though it wasn’t assigned reading material for the week, I read ahead because this stuff applies also to our group project, during which we decided hat we were going to do it on the DVC Insite page. The team came up with the questions and now we are in the process of getting those questions posted online and sending out e-mails not only to our class, but to other people who are DVC students - who are our intended target audience. Paul is finalizing the testing portion, and both Christian and I are making sure the questions are “research accurate”, so to speak, and they reflect the contents of the InSite homepage. but it should be done by the end of the week.
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