4 reasons to add prototyping to your design process

Prototyping has become an essential part of the design process for website builds and mobile applications. It helps clients, stakeholders, and internal teams assess and understand the functionality and interactivity of a site during the build. To better understand the benefits of a prototype, let’s start with what classifies as a prototype.

What is a prototype?

A design prototype is a simulation of what the user will experience on a website or interactive design project. There are two varieties of prototyping: low-fidelity and high-fidelity.

A low-fidelity prototype can be as simple as using a pen and paper to show the progression and intended functionality of a page. This prototype approach sets the groundwork for interactivity, and it can also be used as a precursor to a successful high-fidelity prototype.

A high-fidelity prototype is a much more detailed, clickable model that users can interact with. It is often created using programs such as Adobe Experience Design (XD).

What are the benefits of prototyping?

1. Keep everyone on the same page
   Prototyping is an excellent opportunity to showcase user interaction and provide context around a project that has yet to be developed. It helps validate ideas and keep all involved parties on the same page in terms of end-user functionality – eliminating any miscommunication or misunderstanding of the interactive elements of a project.
   

2. Help clients visualize concepts
   Verbally explaining how a website will function is one thing, but visualizing the concept is much more impactful to stakeholders. Prototyping early in the process creates excitement and anticipation while also helping with approval and buy-in on design functionality.
   

3. More efficient development
   Prototyping is beneficial for internal teams and encourages a smoother transition from design to development. Prototyping gives front-end and back-end developers a better understanding of what the designer is planning. Developers can also review prototypes before client approval to ensure execution is possible. This reduces back and forth between teams and encourages better communication throughout the development process.
   

4. Improve usability
   Prototyping is an important tool for usability testing. Usability testing with prototypes allows designers to understand how their concepts will work in the wild and whether or not the functionality results in positive user experiences. Usability testing also allows designers to discover any missteps in their designs and come up with solutions on how to improve the overall user interface and user experience.

What are some prototyping tools?

Prototyping tools make it easy to get your interactive ideas “on paper” and allow you to better explain your thoughts on project functionality.

There are many programs available that designers can use to make streamlined, well-developed prototypes. At Imarc, we recommend Adobe XD, Invision, Sketch, Figma, Keynote, Google Slides, and of course old-fashioned pen and paper.

Most programs allow users to click between design screens that mimic user interaction. All in all, the programs create a better sense of what the user will experience in the finalized design: sticky navigation that scrolls with the user, parallax imagery, rollover effects, and so much more.

Build your own prototype

For someone who hasn’t had much experience with the process, prototyping may seem daunting. But don’t let that deter you! In reality, there is a wide range of prototyping techniques for all skill levels, and you just need to find the one that works best for you. No matter what, adding a prototyping phase to your projects will greatly improve your process by taking the guesswork out of your functionality.

Here at Imarc, we love prototyping! Reach out to us for help with your next interactive project or website.