Adding a prototype to your Maze test is a straightforward process that allows you to gather crucial user feedback on your designs directly. It's an essential step for validating user flows and identifying usability issues early in the design phase.
When setting up a user test in Maze, you'll utilize the Mission Block to integrate your prototype. This block acts as the bridge between your design tool and your user testing environment, enabling participants to interact with your prototype as they would with a live product.
The Essential Steps to Import Your Prototype
Integrating your interactive design into a Maze test involves a few clear steps, ensuring your users can engage with your prototype seamlessly.
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Access Your Project and Create a New Maze:
Begin by navigating to your existing project within Maze. From there, initiate the creation of a new maze test. You can do this by clicking the 'Add maze' option, typically found within your Project dashboard. This action will open the Maze builder interface. -
Add the Mission Block:
Once inside the Maze builder for your new test, locate and add a Mission Block to your maze structure. The Mission Block is specifically designed for importing and managing prototypes. Drag and drop it into your desired position within the test flow, or select it from the available block types. -
Input Your Prototype URL:
With the Mission Block added, you will find a dedicated field where you can paste your prototype's shareable URL. This URL is generated from your design tool (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision) and provides a direct link to your interactive design. Ensure you copy the shareable or public link, not an editing link. -
Initiate the Import:
After pasting your prototype URL into the Mission Block field, click the 'import' button. Maze will then process the link, embed your prototype, and make it ready for testing. You should see a preview of your prototype appear within the Mission Block, confirming a successful import.
Understanding the Mission Block
The Mission Block is central to running prototype-based tests in Maze. It's not just a placeholder for your link; it's where you define the specific tasks or "missions" you want your testers to complete using your prototype. This block allows you to:
- Embed Your Prototype: Directly connect your interactive design for testing.
- Define Missions: Set clear tasks for testers to perform within the prototype, such as "Find the checkout button" or "Navigate to the settings page."
- Capture Metrics: Track success rates, misclicks, time on task, and other valuable insights based on user interactions.
Key Actions for Prototype Integration
To help visualize the process, here's a summary of the key actions involved in bringing your prototype into Maze:
| Step Category | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Generate Prototype Link | Obtain a shareable URL from your design tool (e.g., Figma). |
| Maze Setup | Create New Maze | Start a fresh test within your Maze project. |
| Integration | Add Mission Block | Incorporate the dedicated block for prototypes. |
| Finalization | Paste URL & Click Import | Connect your design directly to the test and confirm the embed. |
Best Practices for Seamless Prototype Testing
To ensure your prototype testing runs smoothly and yields the most accurate results, consider these best practices:
- Verify Share Settings: Double-check that your prototype's sharing settings in your design tool are set to public or accessible to anyone with the link. Restricted access will prevent Maze from importing or testers from interacting with it.
- Use the Correct Link Type: Always use the "share" or "prototype" link, not a link to the design file's editing mode. This ensures testers see the interactive version.
- Test Internally First: Before launching your Maze to external users, perform a quick internal test yourself to ensure the prototype loads correctly, all missions are clear, and the intended paths are navigable.
- Optimize Prototype Performance: Large or complex prototypes can sometimes be slow to load. Optimize your design files for web performance where possible to provide a smoother experience for testers.
- Define Clear Missions: Craft precise and unambiguous mission statements for your testers within the Mission Block. This helps guide their interaction without giving away answers. For more on crafting effective missions, refer to guides on user testing best practices.
By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively add your prototype to Maze and gather rich, actionable feedback to refine your designs.
