Prototyping does not happen in the overall product phase by accident. It is a great way to gather information from stakeholders and users as quickly as possible. Today, prototyping is not something that can be eliminated by any product team. Because prototyping has become easier and more cost-effective, its importance is more evident and irreplaceable. Prototyping has become a more common practice than ever before. It’s important to consider how you can make the most of its benefits. Prototyping: A quick overview
In case you aren’t sure, it is still important to identify some basics regarding prototyping.
Take a look at the product stage in its simplest form:
1) Idea Generation
2) Demand generation
3) Function and structure
4) Prototyping Stage
5) PRD (replaced with prototyping for most occasions).
6) Roadmap
You can see the importance of prototyping as part of the overall production. After conducting enough UX research including gathering ideas, data, information and evaluation, we can create a prototyping design. The prototyping model is then presented as an example of how stakeholders can use any given elements to make them function or interact with each other.
Second, there are two types of prototyping.
1) Paper Prototype – A paper representation, either hand-drawn or printed, of the user interface to a software product
2) User Experience Prototype – demonstrates sufficient of the appearance, function and feel of the product
3) Visual Prototype – This is the appearance and size of the product, but it does not reflect the functionality.
In this article I will talk about prototyping with prototyping software. This involves both user experience as well as visual aspects. It is the most common and practical method. Mockplus is a prototyping tool I have used for years. Here are some tips to help you make the most of Mockplus.
2. Prototyping offers many benefits
Are you ready to experience the amazing moment when your prototype is used by someone else? It is possible to first examine the benefits and think about how you can use them.
1) Provides functionality, interactions.
The wireframe and static mockups are not capable of conveying animation. A prototyping approach that includes interaction is possible.
2) Have regular communication with your bosses, stockholders, users, etc.
Communication is key. They must understand your design and be willing to purchase it.
3) Detect mistakes earlier to save time and money
Trust me, your mistakes will cost you less at the prototyping stage than later in development.
4) Improve collaboration among your team members. It can increase efficiency greatly.
5) Encourage user feedback and support multiple-testing. It’s an important factor to iterate, update and improve.
3. Prototyping’s disadvantages
Avoid falling into the traps of prototyping disadvantages. You should take them seriously. You might need to rethink your actions if you have already done them.
1) Always perform high-fidelity prototyping from the beginning.
What is high-fidelity prototype? It includes interaction design, wireframe and logical judgment. It takes more time and is more expensive. UI designers still have limited options despite all the waste. When you have to redesign everything, the taste is even worse.
2) A bad demonstration of prototyping can lead to poor design thinking. That is, 50% of your design may not be visible to stockholders and users.
3) User misunderstanding of the prototype and the finished system. The user might have a limited understanding of the prototype and finished system, especially if they are working with high-fidelity design.
4) Do not ignore feasibility. It’s easy to understand that certain aspects of your design may not work during the real development stage.
