Application prototyping: A comprehensive guide

Imagine a software development team is tasked with creating a mobile app for a new service. More often than not, prospect users have difficulty visualizing a mental picture of how the app will look and feel just by being presented with some specifications.

The use of prototyping methods has become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing developers to identify potential issues and make necessary modifications before investing time and resources into a final product.

By creating a prototype, the development team can test different user interfaces, ensure the app is user-friendly, and identify any potential bugs before the app is fully developed.

Additionally, the team can share the prototype with stakeholders to get feedback on the app’s design and functionality, making changes before investing too much time and resources. By using application prototyping, the team can reduce the time and cost associated with developing the app and ensure a high-quality end product.

It is important for several reasons, such as identifying and solving problems early on, getting feedback from stakeholders, reducing development time and cost, testing new features, and visualizing the end product.

Prototyping can be done using various methods, such as paper prototyping, low-fidelity or high-fidelity prototyping, like interactive prototypes that resemble the final application in appearance and functionality.

Read further below about what are several benefits of app prototyping and how to get started with it.

Benefits of app prototyping

App prototyping is a crucial step in the app development process that offers many benefits. In this post, we will explore the benefits of app prototyping in detail.

Key benefits of app prototyping:

• Saves time and money: By creating a preliminary app version, developers can identify potential issues and make changes to the app before investing significant time and resources into the development process. Not only does it save time and money, but it also helps to streamline the development process by making informed decisions about the design and functionality of the app.
• Early identification of technical issues: App prototyping helps to identify technical issues early on, particularly for complex apps with multiple features and functionalities. By testing the app in a prototype environment, developers can identify potential technical challenges and make adjustments before beginning the full development process. It can help to avoid unexpected issues and errors during app development, leading to a more efficient and effective development process.
• Early user feedback: App prototyping enables developers to get early user feedback. This feedback can be invaluable in shaping the app’s design and functionality and help ensure that the final product meets the needs of its intended audience. By creating a preliminary app version, developers can get user feedback early in the development process and make necessary changes based on that feedback.
• Better collaboration and simpler acceptance: App prototyping facilitates better collaboration and simpler acceptance. Developers can share their prototypes with their team, developers, clients, and users to get their feedback and suggestions, making it easier to demonstrate to stakeholders and get their approval. It can help to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations during the development process, leading to better communication and a more efficient development process.
• More predictability: App prototyping provides more predictability in estimating the time, cost, and resources needed for app development. By creating a preliminary version of the app, developers can estimate the time, cost, and resources needed for app development more accurately. It can help businesses and entrepreneurs to plan and allocate resources more effectively.
• Quick and efficient iteration: Finally, app prototyping enables changes and improvements in the prototype rather than the final product, leading to a more agile development process that responds to user feedback and makes necessary changes. It can save money in the long run by enabling changes and improvements before investing significant time and resources into the development process.

Possible disadvantages of app prototyping

While app prototyping has many advantages, such as testing ideas, getting feedback, improving usability, and saving time and money in the long run, it also has some disadvantages. Here are some of them:

• It can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when working on a tight budget or a complex project.
• Prototyping may limit your creativity and innovation, as you may get attached to your initial design and miss out on other possibilities.
• In some cases, a prototype could increase the expectations and demands of your clients or users, who may ask for more changes or features that are not feasible or necessary.
• Sometimes prototype may not reflect your app’s real performance or functionality, as it is only a simplified version that does not account for all the technical aspects or challenges.

Despite some common disadvantages of app prototyping, they can be overcome by following some best practices, such as:

• Setting clear goals and scope for your prototype
• Choosing the right level of fidelity and interactivity for your prototype
• Communicating effectively with your stakeholders and users
• Iterating quickly and frequently based on feedback
• Validating your assumptions and hypotheses with data

Types of prototypes

The type of prototyping you might use depends on the project’s specific needs and goals. There are many types of app prototypes, depending on the level of detail, interactivity, and fidelity. Some common types are:

Type of Prototype	Description	Pros	Cons	Best For
Paper prototypes	Hand-drawn sketches of app screens that show how users can navigate through them.	– Quick and easy to create and change.	– Low fidelity and interactivity.	Small projects or tight deadlines.
Wireframes	Digital outlines of app screens that show where different elements are placed.	– Higher fidelity than paper prototypes. – Can be interactive or static.	– Still lack colors, fonts, graphics, etc.	Early-stage prototyping.
Mockups	Digital representations of app screens that show how they will look in terms of colors, fonts, graphics, etc.	– High fidelity. – Suitable for stakeholder presentations and discussions.	– Low interactivity.	Stakeholder presentations and discussions.
Clickable prototypes	Digital models of app screens that show how users can interact with them by clicking on different elements.	– High fidelity and interactivity. – Best option for testing and user feedback.	– Does not contain any functional code. – Time and cost-demanding.	Testing and user feedback. Larger projects.

Factors to consider when choosing a prototyping method

It can be difficult to choose a prototyping method, especially given the wide variety of available methods. In this article section, we will discuss some key factors developers should consider when choosing a prototyping method.

• Project requirements and objectives: The first step in choosing a prototyping method is clearly defining your project requirements and objectives. Ask yourself the following questions: What is the purpose of the prototype (e.g., proof of concept, user testing, or final design validation), what are the critical functions and features of the product, are there any specific techniques, technology or other constraints and what is the timeline for the project? Your answers to these questions will help narrow down the options and guide you toward the most suitable method for your specific needs.
• Purpose of the prototype: Before choosing a prototyping method, developers need to consider the purpose of the prototype. Prototyping can be used for various purposes, such as testing the application’s functionality, evaluating user experience, or validating the design. The purpose of the prototype will determine the type of prototyping method that is most appropriate.
• Level of fidelity: High-fidelity prototypes are more detailed and closely resemble the final product, while low-fidelity prototypes are rough and basic representations of the application. High-fidelity prototypes are more useful for testing the usability and functionality of the application, while low-fidelity prototypes are more useful for testing the overall concept and design.
• User feedback: Developers must choose a method for easy and effective user feedback. You can use this feedback to improve the design and functionality of the application.
• Development time and resources: Some methods require more time and resources than others, which can impact the development process. Developers must choose a prototyping method appropriate to their available time and resources.
• Collaboration: Some methods are better suited for collaboration than others. Developers must choose a method that allows for effective collaboration between team members.
• Technology: Some methods require specific technologies, such as virtual reality or 3D printing, while others require only basic software tools. Developers need to choose a method that is appropriate for their available technology.

By carefully considering all factors, developers can choose a method appropriate for their specific project and goals and save time and money for the whole project.

Approaches to app prototyping

There are several types of app prototyping to improve their applications’ design and functionality. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the most commonly used approaches to application prototyping.

The type of prototyping used will depend on the requirements of the software application and the level of certainty the development team has about the project. By using one or more software application prototyping types, developers can identify and fix design flaws and functional issues early in the development process, resulting in a higher-quality final product.

1. Throwaway prototyping

Also known as rapid prototyping or disposable prototyping, is a method used in the software development process to quickly create a simplified, preliminary version of a system or product.

In this approach, the prototype is developed using low-cost, fast, and easily modifiable tools or techniques, with the intention of discarding it once its purpose is fulfilled. It allows developers to identify any potential issues or areas of improvement before investing significant time and resources in building the final product.

The key benefits of throwaway prototyping include:

• Faster feedback: Since the prototype is created quickly, feedback can be obtained and incorporated sooner, reducing the risk of major changes later in the development process.
• Improved understanding of requirements: Prototyping helps clarify the expectations and requirements of users and stakeholders, making it easier to develop a more accurate final product.
• Reduced development time and cost: By identifying and addressing issues early in the process, developers can avoid costly rework and save time on the overall project.
• Enhanced user involvement: Involving users in the prototyping process fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, which can lead to a better end product.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Misleading results: If the prototype is too simple or lacks key functionality, it may not accurately represent the final product, leading to incorrect conclusions or misguided feedback.
• Overemphasis on early design: The focus on prototyping can sometimes divert resources from other critical aspects of the development process.
• Discarding valuable work: Some useful components or ideas from the prototype may be lost when it is discarded, although this issue can be mitigated by incorporating lessons learned into the final design.

2. Evolutionary prototyping

This is a type of software application prototyping that involves creating an initial prototype and then gradually refining and improving it over time. It is typically used when the requirements of the software application are well-defined but may need to be refined over time. Evolutionary prototyping allows developers to test and evaluate the software application as it is being developed and adjust as needed.

3. Incremental prototyping

The main difference from other types is in creating multiple prototypes of the software application. Each prototype is designed to address a specific set of requirements or functionality. It is typically used when the software application is complex and requires multiple iterations to meet all requirements. Incremental prototyping helps identify and fix design flaws and functional issues early in development.

4. Extreme prototyping

It involves creating a prototype that is as close to the final version of the software application as possible. This type of prototyping is typically used when the requirements of the software application are well-defined and the development team has a high degree of confidence in their ability to deliver a high-quality final product. Extreme prototyping allows developers to test and evaluate the software application in a realistic environment and make adjustments as needed.

Fidelity in app prototyping

There is much variability in how the app prototype conveys the look and feel of the final product, such as its level of detail and realism. Fidelity can vary in the areas of visual design, content and interactivity.

There are two main types of fidelity: low-fidelity and high-fidelity. Low-fidelity prototyping is often the early design of an app or website, using simple shapes, colors, and placeholders to show the basic structure and layout. High-fidelity prototyping presents nearly all product details, including detailed interfaces and interactions between pages and elements. It allows you to fully test usability and functionality before starting development.

The choice of fidelity depends on your goals, resources, and timeline. Low-fidelity prototyping is faster, cheaper, and easier to change, but it may not capture all the nuances or feedback of your users. High-fidelity prototyping is more realistic, accurate, and convincing, but creating and modifying may take more time, money, and effort.

Low-fidelity prototype

A low-fidelity prototype is a practical and early vision of your product or service that shares only a few features with the final product. For example, let’s say you’re designing an app. The low-fidelity prototype will outline where things will go and how it will function for users. You can create a low-fidelity prototype using simple tools like pen and paper, PowerPoint, or Miro.

High-fidelity prototype

A high-fidelity prototype is a realistic and detailed version of your product or service that includes all the features and interactions of the final product. For example, let’s say you’re designing a website. The high-fidelity prototype will show the website’s appearance and how it responds to user input, loads data, and performs on different devices. You can create a high-fidelity prototype using advanced tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Mockplus.

General workflow in app prototyping

Developing a successful app requires a thorough and well-planned workflow. App prototyping is a crucial part of this workflow, as it helps to identify potential issues and make necessary changes before investing significant time and resources into the development process. Here are the essential steps in the workflow for app prototyping:

1. Define the app’s purpose and objectives

   Identifying the app’s main goals and objectives is crucial in ensuring that it meets the needs and expectations of its intended audience. Determining the target audience’s needs and preferences and identifying potential challenges or constraints will help in creating an effective app.

2. Create a concept and sketch your ideas

   Creating a rough concept of the app, including its functionality, features, and overall design, is essential in visualizing the app’s potential. Sketching out the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) will help identify potential issues or areas that need improvement.

3. Develop a wireframe

   A wireframe is a basic layout of the app’s UI and UX. Using wireframing tools or software, create a basic representation of the app’s navigation, layout, and functionality.

4. Design mockups and prototypes

   Using design tools or software, create high-fidelity mockups that depict the app’s look and feel. Testing and refining the mockups until they meet the objectives and requirements is critical in ensuring that the final product meets the desired standards.

5. Test and refine the app

   Testing the app’s functionality, usability, and user experience is essential in identifying and fixing any issues. Collecting feedback from users and stakeholders helps refine and improve the app, iterating the design and development process until the app meets the requirements and objectives.

6. Finalize and present the app prototype

   Finalize the app prototype and create a presentation to showcase its features and functionality. Sharing the prototype with stakeholders, developers, and potential users for feedback and validation is crucial in refining and improving the app before launching it to the market.

7. Develop and launch the app

   Develop the app using the finalized design and functionality. Thoroughly testing the app before launching it to the market and monitoring its performance, usability, and user feedback will help ensure the app meets its intended purpose and objectives.

Basic steps in app prototyping

App prototype allows you to test and validate your ideas, identify potential issues, and ensure that the app meets the user’s needs.

Which are the main steps involved in app prototyping?

1. Define your objectives and goals

   You need to ask yourself what the app’s purpose is, who your target audience is, and what problems your app is solving. You should also consider what features and functionalities the app should have to achieve its goals.

2. Conduct research

   You need to research your target audience and their needs, as well as your competitors and market trends. It will help you identify the gaps in the market and ensure that your app is unique and meets the needs of your target audience.

3. Create a user flow diagram

   A user flow diagram is a visual representation of the user’s journey through the app. It outlines the steps the user will take to achieve their goal and helps you identify any potential issues or roadblocks that may arise. Creating a user flow diagram will also help you determine the features and functionalities you must include in the app.

4. Sketch your ideas

   You can use pen and paper or a digital tool to create a rough sketch of the app’s design which will help you visualize the app’s layout, features, and functionalities and make any necessary changes before moving to the next step.

5. Create wireframes

   Wireframes are a low-fidelity representation of the app’s design and layout. They help you define the app’s structure, layout, and content without focusing on colors, typography, or imagery. Making wireframes is essential in the prototyping process as it allows you to test the app’s usability and identify any issues before moving to the next step.

6. Create a prototype

   A prototype is a high-fidelity representation of the app’s design and layout. It includes colors, typography, imagery, and interactions, making it look and feel like a real app. Creating a prototype will help you test the app’s usability and identify any issues before moving to the development phase.

7. Test and iterate

   You need to test the app with real users and gather feedback on its usability, functionality, and design. Based on the feedback, you must make necessary changes and iterate until you have a fully functional and user-friendly app.

By following the above steps, you can create a successful app prototype that meets the needs of your target audience and stands out in the market.

Best practices for application prototyping

Below are some best practices to consider when prototyping an application:

1. Identify the requirements: Define the requirements of the application by understanding the needs of the users and stakeholders. Conducting user research and user testing can help in this regard.
2. Focus on the core features: Keep the prototype focused on the core features and functionality of the application. Doing so will ensure the prototype is not overloaded with unnecessary features that may distract from the application’s main purpose.
3. Use a simple design: Keep the design of the prototype simple and clean, which will help you ensure that the prototype is easy to use and understand.
4. Use prototyping tools: Utilize prototyping tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD to create interactive wireframes and mockups. These tools allow for quick iteration and collaboration among team members.
5. Test the prototype: Test the prototype with users to get feedback on the functionality and usability of the application. You can then use this feedback to make necessary improvements.
6. Iterate and refine: Use the feedback received from users to iterate and refine the prototype. Continue to refine the prototype until it meets the desired specifications and requirements.
7. Document the process: Document the prototyping process, including the decisions made, feedback received, and changes implemented. This documentation can be useful for future reference and can help to inform the development of future applications.

Tools for application prototyping 

There are many tools available, each with unique features and benefits. These tools are designed to help designers create and test interactive prototypes of their applications before development, allowing them to iterate and refine the design based on feedback from users and stakeholders. Some popular prototyping tools include Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, and Axure. These tools offer a range of design and prototyping tools, such as wireframing, vector editing, layout tools, and animation, enabling designers to create highly interactive and engaging prototypes. With the help of these tools, designers can visualize and test their application ideas quickly and efficiently, saving time and resources during the development process.

Some of the tools are listed below:

• Sketch: Sketch is a vector-based design tool primarily used for creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes of user interfaces. It offers a simple and intuitive interface allowing designers to quickly and efficiently create high-fidelity designs. Sketch also supports many plugins and integrations, making it a versatile tool for designers.
• Figma: Figma is a cloud-based design and prototyping tool enabling designers to collaborate on the same project in real-time. It offers a range of design and prototyping tools, including vector editing, layout tools, and animation. Figma also offers a unique feature called “components” that allows designers to create reusable design elements they can share across different projects.
• Adobe XD: Adobe XD is a prototyping tool that allows designers to create interactive prototypes for web and mobile applications. It offers a range of design and prototyping tools, including vector editing, layout tools, and animation. Adobe XD also integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, making it a popular choice for designers who use other Adobe tools in their workflow.
• InVision: InVision is a web-based prototyping tool that enables designers to create interactive prototypes for web and mobile applications. It offers a range of design and prototyping tools, including vector editing, layout tools, and animation. InVision also offers a unique feature called “Craft” that allows designers to create and maintain design systems and style guides.
• Axure: Axure is a prototyping tool that enables designers to create interactive prototypes for web and mobile applications. It offers a range of design and prototyping tools, including wireframing, prototyping, and documentation. Axure is known for its robust functionality and versatility, making it a popular choice for designers who need to create complex and highly interactive prototypes.

These tools aim to enable designers to quickly and efficiently create and test interactive prototypes. Each offers unique features and benefits, and the choice of which tool to use will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the designer and the project requirements. 

App prototype cost

Factors that affect the cost of an app prototype

The cost of building an app prototype can vary depending on several factors:

• Complexity of the App: The complexity of your app is one of the most significant factors that affect the cost of building a prototype. Building more complex apps will require more time and resources, increasing your prototype’s cost.
• Design Requirements: Design requirements can also impact the cost of an app prototype. If your app requires complex animations, custom graphics, or unique user interface elements, the cost of the prototype will increase.
• Platform Compatibility: If you want your app to be available on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, you must consider the cost of building and testing your prototype on each platform.
• Features and Functionality: The features and functionality of your app will also affect the cost of building a prototype. If your app requires advanced features such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, the cost of your prototype will be higher.

How much does it cost to build an app prototype?

The cost of building an app prototype can vary widely depending on the abovementioned factors. By understanding these factors, you can develop a realistic budget for your app prototype. Here are some general estimates:

Approach	Cost range
DIY (Do It Yourself)	$0–$500
Hiring freelancers	$500–$10,000
Engaging a development agency	$5,000–$50,000
Using prototyping tools	$0 (Free)–$600/yr

Keep in mind that these estimates are just a starting point and can vary depending on the specific requirements of your app and do not include the cost of full development, marketing, or ongoing maintenance costs. A prototype is only the initial step in the app development process. The cost of developing a fully functional app can be much higher, ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How long does it take to build an app prototype?

One of the most common questions when building an app prototype is how long it will take to complete. The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors:

• Complexity of the App: The complexity of your app is one of the most significant factors that affect the time required to build an app prototype. More complex apps will require more time and resources to build, increasing the time required to complete the prototype.
• Design Requirements: Design requirements can also impact the time required to build an app prototype. If your app requires complex animations, custom graphics, or unique user interface elements, it will take longer to build the prototype.
• Platform Compatibility: If you want your app to be available on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, it will take longer to build and test your prototype on each platform.
• Features and Functionality: The features and functionality of your app will also affect the time required to build an app prototype. If your app requires advanced features such as artificial intelligence or machine learning, it will take longer to build the prototype.

Some general estimates are:

• Simple App Prototypes: Simple app prototypes, such as a basic calculator or simple game, can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete.
• Medium Complexity App Prototypes: App prototypes that require moderate complexity, such as a social media app, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete.
• High Complexity App Prototypes: App prototypes that require high complexity, such as a healthcare app or a virtual reality app, can take several months or more to complete.

The complexity of your app, design requirements, platform compatibility, features and functionality all play a role in determining how long it will take to build an app prototype. By understanding these factors, you can develop a realistic timeline for building your app prototype and plan accordingly for the full app development process.

Frequently asked questions