This chapter explains how to create a paper prototype and prepare for usability testing by doing walkthroughs. The prototype creation and walkthrough activities happen iteratively make some prototype pieces, do a walkthrough, figure out what's wrong or missing, and repeat. There are no hard and fast rules for how long to spend on each iteration, but as noted in Chapter 5 this process typically takes a total of 2 or 3 days, perhaps spread out over a couple of weeks.

List the Pieces Needed for the Tasks

Make a list on a whiteboard or flip chart of all the screens your prototype will need to support the tasks you've created the steps from your completed task templates are a good starting point. Keep the list fairly high-level; you don't need to specify every menu or drop-down list because the person making a screen is responsible for its details. For example, the task of opening a retirement account at a financial Web site might require the following screens:

• Browser window with controls

• Home page

• Existing user log-in

• Create new account screen(s)

• Regular/Roth IRA explanation

• Account summary

• Privacy policy

• Terms and conditions

• Retirement savings calculator

• Mutual fund screener

The list doesn't have to be in any particular order because it's just for your benefit in identifying what to prepare. It's usually fastest to create this list without looking at the existing interface, if there is one; otherwise you risk digressing into a discussion of the current design.

Don't Forget the Data

There is...