Prototypes

Prototypes in UI/UX design are interactive models of a digital product that help designers test and improve their ideas before development. 

They let you see how a user would move through the app or website, click buttons, and interact with features. 

Instead of guessing what works, a prototype shows you. This way, you can quickly spot any problems in the layout, flow, or usability before writing a single line of code.

In UI/UX design, there are different types of prototypes depending on the project stage and what you want to test. 

Some are rough and basic, while others are more detailed and interactive. Each type helps in different ways, whether it’s for brainstorming, early feedback, or simulating a nearly finished product. 

Here are the main types of prototypes and what they are used for:

Prototyping plays a major role in creating smooth, user-friendly digital products. It helps you test ideas early, avoid costly mistakes, and build with confidence. 

Here are some key benefits of using prototypes in UI/UX design:

• Catch usability issues before development
• Save time and cost by reducing rework
• Get clear feedback from users and stakeholders
• Improve collaboration between designers and developers
• Make better design decisions with real interaction

Prototypes allow teams to test the user journey and interface without building the full product. 

This hands-on approach makes it easier to understand how users will interact with the design, what works well, and what needs improvement. It’s a smart way to validate ideas and ensure you're building something users will actually enjoy using.

There are several tools available today that make prototyping easy and effective. These tools help designers build wireframes, clickable models, and high-fidelity mockups to test and refine user experiences. 

Here’s a quick comparison of commonly used prototyping tools: