Rapid prototyping is still not instantaneous prototyping. It is often not possible or not practical to revise design during a review, nor would most designers be comfortable attempting to prototype during a review. Presenting a prototype for review is not easy. Projection devices are expensive and can be temperamental. Arranging for access on individual machines requires inordinate effort and can also be expensive.
Videotape often results in poor quality presentation and prevents interaction.
Given the many problems of these alternatives, the task is to find a review technique that is efficient, effective, provides visual clarity and concreteness, and provides an informal, egalitarian environment that promotes discussion of design alternatives. This open discussion must include feedback, design alternatives, and the freedom to explore new ideas on the spot and incorporate them into the design. Interface Theater attempts nothing less than the simultaneous solution to all these issues. It is a role-playing exercise in which designers play the part of various elements of the interface, and the audience plays the role of the user. A software object that communicates with the user or with other visible and invisible software and hardware objects.