Let's talk about design fidelity. No, we're not referring to cheating on Figma with some shiny new AI design tool, but rather the level of detail and accuracy in a design concept. You may have heard a designer talk about low, medium, or high-fidelity mockups or prototypes, but what's the difference?
Low-fidelity designs serve as rough drafts or sketches that outline the basic page layout. They aim to convey the fundamental structure and functionality without incorporating stylistic design choices such as colors and fonts. This approach allows designers to focus on the flow of the page while reviewers concentrate solely on structure and functionality rather than design elements.
Medium-fidelity falls between low and high-fidelity, often iterating upon a previous low-fidelity design. Once the foundational structure is established, designers can introduce visual design elements to provide a better understanding of the intended look and feel. It's a practical way for designers to refine their ideas while maintaining a reasonable level of detail.
Lastly, we have high-fidelity designs. These are the most intricate and comprehensive representations, encompassing brand elements, components that align with an existing design system, and pixel-perfect accuracy. High-fidelity designs are typically handed off to development teams for implementation or transformed into prototypes for user testing.
Choosing the appropriate level of fidelity relies on various factors, such as the design process stage, target audience, complexity of the design problem, project timelines, budget, and project goals. Making the right decision is crucial for effectively communicating and evaluating design ideas, gathering feedback, and making informed design decisions.
If you need help determining the best fidelity level for your project, our human-centered design experts are here to support you. Contact us.
