Validate · Test · De-risk · Iterate
Test prototypes, wireframes, and concepts with real users before you commit development budget. Spot problems when they're cheap to fix. Validate ideas early. Ship with confidence.
Building something users don't understand. Overlooking critical edge cases. Solving problems that don't actually exist. These mistakes are expensive to fix in production but cheap to spot in prototypes.
Design validation means testing ideas with real users before writing code. Whether it's Figma prototypes, wireframes, sketches, or concepts - we help you validate early, iterate fast, and build things people actually want.
From rough sketches to high-fidelity prototypes, we test designs at every stage of maturity
Test interactive Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch prototypes. See if users understand flows, can complete tasks, and find features intuitive.
Validate information architecture, layout concepts, and navigation structure before visual design. Test the bones of your design.
Test concepts before you design them fully. Show mockups, sketches, or descriptions. Gauge appeal, understand concerns, validate value.
Test end-to-end journeys through your product. Onboarding, checkout, application processes. See where users get stuck or drop off.
Test high-fidelity designs before handoff to development. Clarity of labels, findability of features, comprehension of UI patterns.
Test copy, error messages, help text, and value propositions. Ensure language resonates, instructions are clear, and tone is appropriate.
Test mobile app designs, responsive layouts, or progressive web apps. Validate touch targets, swipe gestures, and mobile-specific patterns.
Test healthcare service designs, patient portals, or care pathway prototypes. PPIE-informed validation for NHS and healthcare organisations.
Different stages need different validation approaches
Validate concepts and direction before you invest in detail.
Best whenYou have ideas, sketches, or competing directions and need to choose a path.
Common methodsConcept testing, quick validation sessions, focus groups.
You leave withA clear direction, early risks, and priorities for what to explore next.
Test flows and structure before visual polish locks things in.
Best whenYou have wireframes or a prototype and want to validate navigation and task flows.
Common methodsTask based testing, prototype testing, tree testing.
You leave withStructural improvements that prevent expensive redesign later.
Validate high fidelity designs before build and handoff.
Best whenYou are close to development and want confidence in usability and accessibility.
Common methodsHigh fidelity usability testing, content and data checks, accessibility testing.
You leave withFinal refinements and a known baseline for sign off and governance.
Run multiple rounds for complex or high risk features.
Best whenSmall mistakes have big consequences, or different user groups need different solutions.
Common methodsMultiple rounds, progressive fidelity, segmented testing.
You leave withConfidence across user groups and clear evidence for decisions.
Structured testing that surfaces problems and validates solutions
What decisions does this test need to inform? What are you uncertain about? We design validation around your specific questions.
Not 'click here' instructions. We give users realistic goals and watch them try to achieve them. Reveals whether your design actually works.
Users narrate their thought process as they navigate. We hear confusion in real-time, understand expectations, and spot mismatches between design and mental model.
We don't help or guide (unless users are completely stuck). We want to see genuine struggle so you know what to fix.
Test with different types of users. Power users and novices. Different roles or use cases. Designs that work for everyone need testing with everyone.
Not all issues are equal. We categorise problems by impact: critical (blocks tasks), high (major friction), medium (minor annoyance), low (nice to fix).
We don't just list problems. We explain why they happen and suggest how to fix them. Design-informed solutions, not just research critique.
Design validation needs speed. From brief to findings in 1-2 weeks. Quick enough to influence design cycles, thorough enough to be useful.
From in-house design teams to agencies, validation works for everyone building digital products
Fast, focused validation that fits design sprints and development cycles
Quick Validation
Fast validation for sprint cycles. Test a feature, flow, or concept with 4-5 users. Get directional feedback to guide iteration.
Comprehensive Testing
Thorough validation before development. 8-10 sessions across user segments. Confidence your design works before you build.
Iterative Programme
Multiple testing rounds as your design evolves. Test concepts, iterate, test refined designs. Progressive validation for complex features.
All packages include: Participant recruitment and incentives, test planning, moderated sessions, analysis, and clear findings with design recommendations. Video clips of key moments included.
Works with your tools: We test Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, Axure, coded prototypes, or any clickable design. Send us a link, we'll test it.
Add accessibility testing: Include sessions with screen reader users, keyboard-only navigation, or other assistive technology for £1,200–£1,600 additional.
Design validation is structured testing of designs with real users before development begins. It confirms whether a design works for real people, surfaces usability problems early when they are cheap to fix, and gives teams evidence to support design decisions. It covers wireframes, Figma prototypes, lo-fi concepts, and high-fidelity designs.
Yes. We test designs at any stage of fidelity: rough wireframes, lo-fi sketches, Figma prototypes, or near-production interfaces. Earlier-stage testing is often more valuable because there is still room to change direction without significant development cost.
Most concept and prototype validation studies use five to eight participants. This is enough to surface the main usability issues without over-recruiting. For regulated products or studies requiring statistical evidence, larger samples are scoped accordingly.
Design validation projects start from £5,500, which includes recruitment, moderated testing sessions, analysis, and a findings report. Larger programmes involving multiple design versions, audience segments, or regulated product requirements are scoped individually. Participant incentives and recruitment costs are included.
A focused study with five to six participants typically takes two to three weeks from briefing to findings. More complex studies or harder-to-reach recruitment profiles take three to four weeks.
We fully recognise the effort your team invested in recruitment, moderation, and analysis, and we genuinely appreciate the quality of the discussions and reporting.
Trusted PPI and PPIE delivery partner to the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Accelerated Surgical Care.
If you are unsure which approach fits, we will help you choose the right method and scope.
Contact usWe usually respond within one working day.
Book a free 20-minute call. No obligation, no sales pitch. We'll tell you honestly whether research is worth it for your decision, and what it would cost.