|
Item
|
Amount
needed |
Links to
Staples.com, OfficeDepot.com |
Usage/Notes |
|
Lightweight
posterboard or heavy paper, 11x14 or larger |
2-3
pieces |
Staples
11x14
Office
Depot 22x28 (cut it in half) |
Fixed background
upon which the paper prototype elements are placed. Use a size
that's larger than 8.5x11 paper - prototypes are usually somewhat
larger than life size. |
|
Blank write-on
transparencies |
3 pieces
|
Staples
OfficeDepot
|
Placed over the
prototype, it allows the user to "type" (handwrite) data without
altering the prototype. I use transparency when there are more than
a half dozen fields to complete, otherwise I use removable
tape. |
|
Wet-erase
transparency pen |
1 or 2
|
Staples
OfficeDepot
|
For writing
"typed" input on a piece of transparency laid on top of the
prototype. (Permanent pens work too, but you'll use more sheets of
transparency.) |
|
Unlined index
cards (5x8 and 4x6) |
Pack of
100 |
Staples: 5x8,
4x6
OfficeDepot: 5x8,
4x6
|
Prototype
pieces: dialog boxes, pop-up messages, drop-down menus, etc. Regular
paper is OK, but card stock is sturdier and holds up
better under repeated use. |
|
Removable tape
(Post-It brand), varying widths |
1 roll
each size
|
Staples: 2-line,
6-line
OfficeDepot:
2-line,
6-line
|
Use the 2-line
width for edit fields (especially if the data appears elsewhere in
the interface), small amounts of text that change, status line
messages, and list elements. The larger size is good for grayed
buttons and quick fixes to the prototype. |
|
Fine-point
markers |
1 set
|
Staples
OfficeDepot
|
Used for
hand-drawing the prototype. You want something with a thick enough
line so you draw a bit larger than life size - this helps observers
to see. I use sets of inexpensive colored art markers because I
think they encourage creativity, but color usually isn't
necessary. |
|
Correction fluid
(e.g., White-out) |
1 bottle
|
Staples
Office
Depot |
For small
changes to the prototype, such as wording. You have to let
correction fluid dry before you can write on it. In a usability
test, I prefer to use removable tape to make quick fixes.
|
|
Scissors
|
1 pair
|
Staples
Office
Depot |
Sometimes it's
helpful to cut screen shots into pieces, if only part of the
interface changes at a time. |
|
Highlighter |
1 or 2
|
Staples
Office
Depot |
Used with
transparency for making a highlight of the currently selected item.
Light colored translucent plastic of some kind would be even
better. |
| Transparent
tape |
1 roll |
Staples
Office
Depot |
For attaching prototype
pieces permanently, such as creating a dialog box out of two index
cards. For less permanent attachment, use removable
glue. |
| Restickable
glue |
1 stick |
Staples
Office
Depot |
Like the glue on sticky
notes, it keeps elements of the prototype in place until you're
ready to move them. Useful if you have a prototype with many
separate elements that change individually, such as a web site that
uses frames. |
