Glossary
Low-fidelity prototype
What is a low-fidelity prototype?
A low-fidelity prototype is a rough, simplified representation of a design concept that focuses on structure, layout, and flow rather than visual polish, typically created with paper, whiteboards, or basic digital wireframes.
How it works
Low-fidelity prototypes simplify selected aspects of a design to explore information architecture, user flow and interaction concepts. They can use paper or simple digital screens. They need not omit all meaningful content or color: include enough detail for the question being tested, and recognize what the simulation cannot represent.
Applied example
A banking team could ask a participant to move a stated amount from a checking account to savings using paper screens. When the participant taps a drawn control, a facilitator places the next paper screen or a small overlay in front of them. The facilitator supplies the system response without explaining which control the person should choose.
Across navigation alternatives, the team can compare where participants first look for transfers, which account they select, where they backtrack, and whether they understand the confirmation. These observations identify specific changes to test. The paper version cannot establish real transaction speed, touch-target behavior on a phone, or whether the bank’s software securely completes a transfer; those require other forms of testing.
Why it matters
Low-fidelity prototypes can support quick exploration with limited investment. They are cheap to change, which makes it easier to try another layout instead of defending the first one.
Further reading: Kara Pernice: Fidelity should match the research question; a rough prototype cannot test every detail.