The goal of an architectural prototype is to demonstrate the web tier and client tier frameworks that will be used to support the application.
The end user interaction model is bounded by what the application frameworks provide. Frameworks, such as Struts, which implement the model-view-controller design pattern, allow for more effective and efficient development activity.
Architectural prototypes help project managers balance the risks associated with web 2.0 JavaScript heavy applications.
Low Resolution Wireframes:
Effective user interfaces address three main components: information, navigation, and action. Wireframe development bridges the gap between analysis and developmnet and set the course for implementation.
Low resolution wireframes focus on defining the macro and micro template structures. Global and contextual navigation elements are defined for initial end user feedback. Page level information structures are defined, including general content, page instructions, inline help text, as well as action clarification.
High Resolution Wireframes:
A content map is used to understand the underlying relationships across a sites content.
Content maps visualize how information is logically grouped and identify relationships among content across a system.
The Conceptual Framework lays out the 'big picture' for all user interactions with the system. The content, information, navigation, and action structures are defined at a high level to set direction for all user interface design.
The conceptual framework is completed during the analysis phase and relies heavily on information obtained during the Contextual Inquiries as well as the Personas.
Understanding the entire business process places the online workflow in its appropriate context.
Task analysis documentation makes plain every step in a business process. It helps identify areas for process improvement and point out redundant and non value added steps.
Personas are useful on large scale projects where direct access to end users is limited or not possible and where. Additionally, they are helpful for interface designers as well as visual designers when composing aesthetic components to keep in mind who they are designing for.
Personas capture a profile of a typical end user as well as his/her context of use with the system. They capture the over arching business context for the user as well as the typical interaction scenarion and constraints.
Once the user classes are established, defining and mapping user goals allows you to verify that there are no redundant user classes.
Understanding the quantitative and qualitative criteria users set to define a positive user experience up front helps prioritize the user interface designers prototyping workload.
If you are looking to improve you web based application, a good first step is a hueristic evaluation.
This expert review will provide you with a actionable scorecard rating your website or application against usabilty benchmarks.
