Week 56 @ KSU's UXD Program - Final Prototype & the Portfolio Piece
First off, I wish I had had the time to learn Proto.io because I was able to see just how realistic prototypes felt without one piece of code from the other students who went that route. I knew InVision well enough to build a mock-up for usability testing because that's what I do at work... so I stuck to that to keep on track in the class. It's never been my responsibility to build a jaw dropping, gorgeous, physics defying prototype but I see the value in it now. This exercise brought me to a few internal conflicts about UX Management:
- How could I justify the value building such a high-fidelity, beautiful prototype when I barely have time to get five user tests with a lo-fidelity mock up in before launch?
- How can I become a better UX'er if I only know 1 tool to create interactive prototypes? Will I become an expert or be left in the dust?
For #1 - I can't justify it at this point but at least knowing about it and possibly having the Visual Designer at my company take it on would be a step in the right direction. The benefit of using this hi-fidelity prototype isn't for the glitz and glamour, but more for usability testing. The best quote from my first UX mentor about UX was his saying, "The magic is in the details." Having such a hi-fidelity prototype really puts you on the hot seat to define every last detail.
For #2 - I'll get left in the dust. I have to budget time to tryout new tools. I don't have the luxury of being a "Beta Tester" but if I want to run a UX department one day I'll need to know a wide range of tools and learn how to judge/rate them quickly. I'm not sure how to cultivate this skill with a limited amount of time, but I see it's value.
As far as building a portfolio, I love seeing examples of other students' work because it allows me to see how other people think and get their ideas down on paper. After seeing the example the professor sent this week, I think it would be a good idea to start browsing other UX'ers portfolios weekly, just to broaden my range of thinking and see if there is anything I can add to my toolkit.