<p> This research presents a new technique for user interface prototyping, called mixed-fidelity prototyping. Mixed-fidelity prototyping combines low-, medium-, and high-fidelity interface elements within a single prototype in a lightweight manner, supporting independent refinement of individual elements. The approach allows designers to investigate alternate designs, including more innovative designs, and elicit feedback from stakeholders without having to commit too early in the process. As well, the approach encourages collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the design process. For example, individuals who specialize in specific fidelities, such as high-fidelity components, are able to become involved earlier on in the process. </p> <p> We developed a conceptual model called the Region Model and implemented a proof-of-concept system called ProtoMixer. We demonstrated the mixed-fidelity approach by using ProtoMixer to design an example application. </p> <p> ProtoMixer has several benefits over other existing prototyping tools. With ProtoMixer, prototypes can be composed of multiple fidelities, and elements are easily refined and transitioned between different fidelities. Individual elements can be tied into data and functionality, and can be executed inside prototypes. As well, traditional informal practices such as sketching and storyboarding are supported. Furthermore, ProtoMixer is designed for collaborative use on a high-resolution, large display workspace. </p>

<p> This research presents a new technique for user interface prototyping, called mixed-fidelity prototyping. Mixed-fidelity prototyping combines low-, medium-, and high-fidelity interface elements within a single prototype in a lightweight manner, supporting independent refinement of individual elements. The approach allows designers to investigate alternate designs, including more innovative designs, and elicit feedback from stakeholders without having to commit too early in the process. As well, the approach encourages collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the design process. For example, individuals who specialize in specific fidelities, such as high-fidelity components, are able to become involved earlier on in the process. </p> <p> We developed a conceptual model called the Region Model and implemented a proof-of-concept system called ProtoMixer. We demonstrated the mixed-fidelity approach by using ProtoMixer to design an example application. </p> <p> ProtoMixer has several benefits over other existing prototyping tools. With ProtoMixer, prototypes can be composed of multiple fidelities, and elements are easily refined and transitioned between different fidelities. Individual elements can be tied into data and functionality, and can be executed inside prototypes. As well, traditional informal practices such as sketching and storyboarding are supported. Furthermore, ProtoMixer is designed for collaborative use on a high-resolution, large display workspace. </p>

Diploma thesis "Prototyping in software development" deals with the use of prototyping in software development with focus on the user interface (UI). Main goal of thesis is extension of MMSP methodology with sphere of the user interface prototyping which has been achieved by the definition of new object in the methodology. The text defines two new roles (objects): UI Designer and Graphic Designer. The roles already defined in MMSP were extended with responsibilities and tasks related to UI prototyping. Other newly added objects are Work Products (e.g. sketch or rules for creation of UI) and Tasks (e.g. sketching). The inclusion of prototyping into life-cycle phases of software development (defined by the methodology) includes all newly added objects. In the beginning the thesis generally concentrates on the definition of the term prototype and the categorization of prototypes. In the next part the thesis describes the possibilities of the use of prototyping in the process of software development and defines criteria for the selection of the best tool for creation of prototypes (wireframes). The sixth chapter focuses on the process of selection of the methodology suitable for the extension with the area of UI. The last chapter contains the MMSP methodology extension itself.

Search on video streaming services is significantly different from web search engines and traditional information retrieval systems. Although an internal site search function’s primary purpose is similar to a web search engine’s, the user’s needs differ, which calls for a different design approach regarding the search result. Many previous researchers have investigated the algorithms behind search functions. However, there is a lack of studies related to the user experience of a search's user interface within the video streaming industry. This study investigates how different presentations of search results affect the users to complete a search on web-based video streaming services. The study was done in collaboration with SVT, examining their video streaming service SVT Play. The research aimed to answer three research questions based on the official usability standard ISO 9241–11. A prototype was designed from a state-of-the-art analysis and the findings from three focus group interviews. An A/B test was conducted on the developed prototype, comparing it against the original search function live on SVT Play, including 46 860 test users. A complementary user test with 10 participants was done in addition to the A/B test. The findings from the A/B test did not show any significant difference between the prototypes. It highlighted that users’ search goals are strong enough not to let the layout and design affect their choice, hence the overall click-through rates. However, the user test showed that the new prototype was, in general, easier to use. It also showed that the different prototypes suited different search goals. The participants expressed a wish to have a solution that combines the design elements from the two prototypes. / Sökfunktionen på videostreamingtjänster skiljer sig från webbsökmotorer och traditionella informationssökningssystem. Även om det primära syftet av en sökfunktion på en intern webbplats liknar webbsökmotorns, så skiljer sig användarens behov vilket därav kräver en annan designmetod. Många tidigare forskare har undersökt algoritmerna bakom sökfunktioner. Dock saknas studier relaterade till användarupplevelsen av sökets gränssnitt inom videostreaming industrin. Denna studie undersöker hur olika presentationer av sökresultatet påverkar användarna för att slutföra en sökning på en webbaserad videostreamingtjänst. Studien gjordes i samarbete med SVT och därav utgick undersökningen från deras videostreamingtjänst SVT Play. Uppsatsen syftade till att svara på tre forskningsfrågor utformade efter den officiella användbarhetsstandarden ISO 9241–11. En prototyp togs fram baserad på en toppmodern analys och resultat från fokusgruppsintervjuer. Ett A/B test med 46 860 testanvändare utfördes med syfte att jämföra den framtagna prototypen med den ursprungliga sökfunktionen på SVT Play. Ett kompletterande användartest med tio deltagare gjordes utöver A/B testet. Resultaten från A/B testet visade ingen signifikant skillnad mellan prototyperna. Det framhöll att användarnas sökmål är tillräckligt starka för att layout och design ska påverka deras val och därav den totala klickfrekvensen. Användartestet visade att den nya prototypen generellt var lättare att använda. Studien visade också att de olika prototyperna passade olika sökmål. Deltagarna uttryckte en önskan om en lösning som kombinerar designelement från de två olika prototyperna.