Fidelity vs Resolution Diagram
Until today, I used the words, “fidelity” and “resolution” synonymously when describing varying levels of completion for prototypes, but I learned that they may refer to two different areas of prototypes. This difference can be a powerful tool in analyzing the success of a project and get a better understanding of what is missing. First, fidelity refers to the idea side of a product. It addresses questions like “how many details have you figured out at this point?” and high fidelity prototypes can measure effectiveness and usability of a solution. In addition, as fidelity has to do with the conceptual development of a prototype, prototypes of all levels of fidelity are powerful tools for research. Specifically, they are great for understanding potential solutions, prioritizing features and functions, and assessing viability and strategic positioning.
Resolution, on the other hand, applies to the real-ness of a prototype, and addresses the question of “how real does it appear to end users?” High resolution prototypes like demos and and wireframes are great for presenting to potential users and testing solutions. Low resolution prototypes like journey maps and flow diagrams are great for defining solutions.Â
Using this methodology, I mapped out my app design project to assess the progress I’ve made. What became immediately noticeable upon placing each step on the fidelity vs resolution diagram was that I was missing items to place in the upper right quadrant. It made sense: I had encountered this problem in my process. Although I had made user journey map, storyboard, and sketches, which are exercises that usually enable me to have a clear grasp of what needs to be designed, I still felt lost on what needed to be on each screen I was designing. I need to revisit my flow diagram and create structural maps so that I can clarify the decisions that a user must make in each step and consequently better anticipate the visual cues that need to be on the screen to let my user make those decisions.

















