Prototyping is a method designers and developers use to draft a model of a new or updated software, website, app, or other digital product. It allows the teams working on said commodity to navigate and visualize how different aspects of the product will work once completed.

There are two prototyping possibilities: high-fidelity and low-fidelity. What are the two types of prototyping used for?

• High-fidelity (high-fi) prototypes are computer-based and allow users to interact with the various elements, much like they would with the finished product. This gives stakeholders a better grasp of what to expect from the program once it’s completed.
• Low-fidelity (low-fi) prototypes, however, are paper-based and static. They’re quicker to create and allow for a basic understanding of the product without diving too deeply into functionality.

Designers and developers can benefit from prototype examples in the early stages of product ideation, outline, and conceptualization, before they move into full-blown development phases. Prototyping examples are also valuable when trying to clarify, troubleshoot, or update a certain component or feature.

The mockup process can take time, so what are the benefits of prototyping in the end? Spending time upfront can save significant time (and money) in the larger stages of development. A prototype model example grants you a clear understanding of how the user interface will look and behave before developers build the program.

It also gives you the chance to test its general and enhanced functionality, like navigating from page to page and interacting with the various features. If there are any areas that need substantial revisions, you can complete them in the prototyping phase to avoid costly issues down the road.