What is the difference between low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes?

Low-fidelity prototypes are typically characterized by their basic and rough designs. They are often simple sketches, wireframes, or even paper models that provide a general idea of layout and functionality without getting into the specifics of design aesthetics or detailed interactions. These prototypes are primarily used in the early stages of the design process to explore concepts, gather feedback, and iterate quickly.

On the other hand, high-fidelity prototypes are more polished and detailed representations of the final product. They include realistic visuals, interactivity, and finer details, making them closer to what the final version of the product will look and feel like. High-fidelity prototypes are useful for testing user interactions and getting more specific feedback on visual design and user experience.

This distinction emphasizes the progressive refinement of ideas in the design process, leading from the broad, conceptual stage of low-fidelity prototypes to the more refined and interactive high-fidelity prototypes that allow for thorough usability testing and stakeholder presentation.