Prototyping & Testing
that validates before you build.
Test and validate designs with real users before investing in full development. We create interactive prototypes and conduct rigorous user testing to identify problems early, when they're cheap to fix—not after launch.
How we help
Building the wrong thing is expensive. Development costs mount, deadlines slip, and launch reveals that users don't understand your interface or can't complete key tasks. Fixing design problems in production is 10x more expensive than catching them during prototyping. Testing first saves time, money, and launches.
Prototyping makes ideas tangible. Instead of debating static mockups, we create interactive prototypes that simulate the real experience. Stakeholders can click through flows, developers can understand interactions, and users can provide feedback before a single line of code is written.
Our prototypes range from low-fidelity wireframes testing basic concepts to high-fidelity interactive prototypes indistinguishable from finished products. The fidelity depends on what you're testing—early concepts need rough prototypes, late-stage validation needs polished ones. We choose the right fidelity for each testing goal.
User testing reveals what's really happening. We recruit participants matching your target users, create realistic scenarios, and observe what happens when real people use your interface. Think-aloud protocols reveal confusion. Task completion rates show usability issues. Post-test interviews uncover pain points.
We test iteratively. Early testing validates concepts and user flows. Mid-stage testing refines interactions and visual hierarchy. Final testing ensures polish and catches edge cases. Each round of testing informs design refinement, creating a feedback loop that compounds quality.
Our testing methodology is rigorous. We establish clear success criteria, test with sufficient participants for meaningful insights (typically 5-8 per round), document findings systematically, and prioritize issues by severity and frequency. Every test produces actionable recommendations, not just observations.
Beyond usability, we test desirability (do users want this?), comprehension (do they understand it?), accessibility (can everyone use it?), and emotional response (how does it make them feel?). Comprehensive testing catches issues that purely usability testing misses.
The result? Validated designs that work for real users before development begins. Confidence that your investment will deliver value. Fewer surprises at launch. Products that users love from day one because you built the right thing, not just built the thing right.
Why work with espress labs
- Rapid prototyping - We create testable prototypes in days, not weeks, accelerating feedback cycles
- Real user recruitment - Access to our user research panel matching your target demographics and personas
- Rigorous methodology - Structured testing protocols that produce actionable insights, not just opinions
- Iterative approach - Multiple testing rounds ensure continuous improvement and problem resolution
- Developer-friendly handoff - Prototypes include interaction specifications that make development smooth
What we deliver
Clickable prototypes built in Figma simulating the real user experience. Includes micro-interactions, transitions, and realistic content. Fidelity matches testing goals.
Recruitment of test participants matching your target user profiles. Includes screener surveys, scheduling, and incentive management. Typically 5-8 participants per testing round.
One-on-one testing sessions with real users completing realistic tasks. Includes think-aloud protocols, task scenarios, and follow-up questions. Sessions recorded for stakeholder review.
Comprehensive analysis of testing results identifying usability issues, friction points, and improvement opportunities. Prioritized by severity and frequency with specific recommendations.
Updated designs addressing issues uncovered in testing. Multiple iteration rounds ensure problems are actually solved. Includes follow-up testing to validate improvements.
Detailed interaction specifications documenting all behaviors, transitions, and edge cases. Includes animation timing, state changes, and error handling for smooth development.
Prototyping and testing projects typically range from $8,000 to $25,000+ depending on prototype complexity, number of testing rounds, and participant recruitment. Single testing rounds start around $5,000.
A complete testing cycle (prototype creation, user recruitment, testing, analysis, iteration) typically takes 2-3 weeks. Rush timelines are possible. Multiple rounds are recommended for complex projects.
For usability testing, 5-8 users per round typically uncover 85-90% of issues. More participants don't add proportional value. We recommend multiple rounds with different users rather than one round with many.
Yes! Testing with current users is valuable for redesigns and feature additions. We can also recruit new users matching your target market for broader validation.
Wireframes are static low-fidelity sketches showing layout and hierarchy. Prototypes are interactive and clickable, simulating the actual user experience. Prototypes are better for testing flows and interactions.
frequently asked questions
Have questions about working with us? We've got answers. Here are the most common questions we hear from new clients about our process, pricing, timelines, and what makes us different.
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