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What are the benefits of having a prototype compared to creating a basic concept?
Basic concepts are more static than prototypes; prototypes are better for seeing how the website works when a user is interacting with it.
Prototypes should roughly resemble the final version of a website, but they provide a testing ground to see whether it works in practicality. Designers and stakeholders use prototypes to spot possible issues and fine-tune functionality on the final site version.
Refining Your Vision: You need to use prototypes to see how your site will look when it’s live, and you should also use them for decision-making.
What is the difference between a wireframe, a mockup, and a prototype?
Below are the differences between wireframes, mockups, and prototypes:
- Wireframe: Outline of layout and structure.
- Mockup: Designers create mockups to showcase how a website will look.
- Prototype: Users can navigate prototype websites to see whether the site works in practicality; they’re not the finished product but closer than the other two.
How does prototyping benefit the development process?
Teams should use prototypes so everyone knows which direction the project should head in. It’s also essential to use prototyping for collaboration; not doing this could result in higher costs due to redesign.
Improved User Experience: You should ask users to leave their feedback on your website and make tweaks based on their suggestions.
How to build a website prototype?
- Choose a tool: Look for features and consider your budget. Examples of prototype tools include Figma, Miro, and Moqups.
- Create a wireframe: Start by mapping out how your site should look; use a pen and paper or online app, depending on your needs.
- Add visual design: Add visual elements to the wireframe when you’ve made one and refined it.
- Incorporate interactions: Add clickability functions and consider intuition in your designs.
- Test and iterate: Get feedback from stakeholders and customers, and assess what’s working and what isn’t. Make changes based on what you find.
How to choose the best website prototyper?
You’ll need to think about your individual needs. Consider each of these factors in your decision-making:
- Ease of use: Do you need a learning curve to use the tool?
- Functionality: Have you got access to all the features needed, or will you have to make compromises?
- Collaboration: How does the prototyper facilitate communication (e.g. commenting and real-time changes)?
- Price: Do you have the money for the prototyper you want to purchase, or should you pick a free version for the time being?
When is the right time to use a website prototype?
Create a website prototype after you’ve done the wireframing but before the final site development has started. The whole point is to test how the site works before developing the final version, which can then commence.
What are the limitations of website prototypes?
Despite the benefits of website prototypes, you must also consider some of the associated drawbacks. Some of these are:
- It doesn’t always reflect the final product: Prototypes are designed for testing, and they’re a guideline rather than an absolute rule. The final version might look different; for example, designers may move some menus around or change the text and visuals.
- Time and resources: High-fidelity prototypes require time and money, especially if there’s back and forth between stakeholders – but it’s worth remembering that the investment is normally worthwhile.
- Not always necessary: Prototypes are essential for major website redesigns, but simple sites – such as portfolios – may not need them. Think about the type of site you’re trying to create and whether you need a prototype before starting.
What are web and mobile app prototypes?
Web and mobile app prototypes have the same background intention as website prototypes. The main difference is that mobile app prototypes are for testing on smaller touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches.
Designers often use similar apps for creating prototypes, as they can typically pick different templates based on their needs. When using website prototypes, you should test your pages on desktop and mobile apps.
Conclusion
Website prototypes are necessary for bigger projects, but you may not need them for smaller sites. You should use prototypes after creating the initial wireframe and receiving feedback from stakeholders and prospective customers.
Use a website builder that meets your needs, and decide whether you need a free or paid version. Look for features like collaboration before committing to a purchase, and decide whether you need something that requires more or less of a learning curve. Consider all of these tips before you make your first prototype.
