supplies for paper prototyping

 
 

Here are links to various paper prototyping supplies on Staples.com and OfficeDepot.com. I am providing these links as a convenience - I make no guarantees about these items. Some items may not be available for shipping to your location. I have no financial interest in these companies.


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.

Snyder Consulting * (603) 216-2255 * csnyder at snyderconsulting dot net