Prototype: Definition, challenges, and explanations

A prototype is a preliminary representation of a product, often in the form of a mock-up or functional model. It may be a simplified version that allows the main features to be visualized and tested before final production.

In UX/UI design, prototypes are used to bring ideas to life, simulate interactions, and gather user feedback to improve the overall experience.

This tool is used at a key stage in the creative process, between the design and production phases, facilitating adjustments before full development.

Using a prototype allows you to anticipate usability and interface issues before committing significant resources to development. This reduces risk and optimizes return on investment.

The prototype also promotes better communication between design and development teams and stakeholders by providing a visual and interactive understanding of the features.

It facilitates the validation of concepts with end users through tests that identify areas for improvement, making the final product more suited to their needs.

The creation of a prototype generally begins with defining the objectives and features to be tested. Based on wireframes or sketches, the prototype is developed at different levels of fidelity, namely low, medium, or high fidelity.

A low-fidelity prototype could be a paper drawing or storyboard, while a high-fidelity prototype is an interactive mock-up that closely resembles the final product, sometimes created using specialized tools.

Once completed, the prototype undergoes user testing sessions or internal reviews to gather feedback. This data feeds into an iterative improvement process before going into production.

Advantages:

• Allows you to visualize and test ideas quickly.
• Reduces technical and ergonomic risks upstream.
• Improves collaboration and communication between teams.
• Facilitates validation by end users.

Disadvantages:

• May be time-consuming depending on the level of fidelity chosen.
• A prototype that is too detailed can skew feedback, as users focus on appearance rather than function.
• Requires specific technical skills for advanced interactive prototypes.

A classic example is the creation of a mobile application prototype to test navigation and interactions before full development.

In website design, an interactive prototype allows you to simulate the user journey and gather feedback to improve usability.

Prototypes can also be used to present an idea to a client or to train teams, making an intangible concept more tangible and understandable.

• Adobe XD: an interactive prototyping tool widely used in UX/UI design.
• Figma: collaborative platform for creating web and mobile prototypes as a team.
• Sketch: macOS vector design software with advanced prototyping features.
• MDN Web Docs - UX Guide: documentation to understand best practices in UX prototyping.
• Nielsen Norman Group - Prototyping Driven Design: detailed article on the importance and methods of prototyping in UX.