Low Fidelity

Term from Web Design industry explained for recruiters

Low Fidelity (often called "Lo-Fi" or "Low-Fi") refers to simple, basic design sketches or mockups that show how a website or app might look and work. Think of it like a rough draft or quick sketch before creating the final version. Designers use Low Fidelity designs early in projects because they're quick to make and easy to change. These might be hand-drawn sketches on paper, simple digital wireframes, or basic black-and-white layouts. It's the opposite of High Fidelity (Hi-Fi) designs, which are polished, detailed, and close to the final product.

Examples in Resumes

Created Low Fidelity prototypes to quickly test user interface concepts

Developed Low-Fi wireframes for client approval before detailed design phase

Led stakeholder meetings using Lo-Fi mockups to gather early feedback

Typical job title: "UX/UI Designers"

Also try searching for:

UX Designer UI Designer Product Designer Web Designer Interaction Designer UX/UI Designer Digital Product Designer

Where to Find UX/UI Designers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you decide when to use low fidelity vs high fidelity prototypes in a project?

Expected Answer: Should explain how low fidelity is best for early stages to quickly test ideas and get feedback, while high fidelity is better for final stages when detailed design decisions are needed. Should mention cost and time effectiveness of low fidelity prototypes.

Q: How do you present low fidelity designs to stakeholders who expect to see polished designs?

Expected Answer: Should discuss how to explain the value of early feedback, cost savings, and faster iteration process. Should mention techniques for managing expectations and educating stakeholders about the design process.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What tools do you use for creating low fidelity prototypes and why?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss various tools from simple paper and pencil to digital tools like Balsamiq or Sketch, and explain when each is most appropriate.

Q: How do you gather and incorporate user feedback from low fidelity prototypes?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for conducting user testing with basic prototypes, recording feedback, and how to use that information to improve the design.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the main purpose of low fidelity prototyping?

Expected Answer: Should explain that low fidelity prototypes are quick, cheap ways to test basic concepts and layouts before investing time in detailed designs.

Q: What elements do you include in a low fidelity wireframe?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic elements like layout structure, navigation placement, and content blocks, without getting into visual design details like colors or images.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic wireframe creation
  • Understanding of user interface elements
  • Simple prototype creation
  • Basic user testing

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Efficient prototyping methods
  • User research integration
  • Stakeholder presentation skills
  • Various prototyping tool expertise

Senior (4+ years)

  • Strategic prototype planning
  • Team workflow management
  • Complex user testing coordination
  • Stakeholder expectation management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain the difference between low and high fidelity prototypes
  • No experience with basic prototyping tools
  • Lack of understanding about user testing
  • Poor communication skills when explaining design concepts