Prototyping is almost the most crucial tool in modern software development. In cases of rapid mobile app prototyping and rapid web app prototyping, this instrument is effectively used as a communication channel that connects the developer to the client and the user to the developer. Rapid app prototyping shows the basic features the future creation will have while also allowing to assess which elements it is better without.
There are quite a few ways anyone can build the simplest rendition of an app, from using the best drawing app for rapid prototyping and an apple pencil to a map you can draw on paper (Google “rapid phone app prototyping images” to see some awesome examples). Each type is used for a different purpose and can be drafted at different points in time. So, how can you discern between these types of prototypes?
Types Of Prototypes
There are a lot of parameters that prototypes can be differentiated by. You can divide them by the platform or by the instrument you’re going to use, like Python web app rapid prototyping, Javascript and MongoDB rapid app prototyping or rapid prototyping an iOS app. However, most of them are chosen based on the reason you need to create your mock-up for, the people you’re going to show it to and the features you need the feedback for. Basically, it all comes down to the number of details you're going to include into your model.
The two key features that characterize specific types of the most iconic apps rapid prototyping are their complexity and their fidelity. Complexity describes the number of elements you’re including in your concept, and Fidelity characterizes its validity in relation to the final version of your app.
Making a relatively accurate app predecessor at the beginning of the designing process is a good way to create a plan for the following work. However, it is hard to do. Here are some tips to make this task easier and less time-consuming.
Tips For Rapid App Prototyping
1. Understand the industry you’re working for
In order to know which features your app and your prototype need to have, you should be familiar with the area the final rendition of your app will be used in. For example, there are some great sources of information if you’re working with Javascript and MongoDB rapid app prototyping. First of all, it is a great way to understand which features would be the most impactful for a consumer. Second, your communication with the client will be more efficient. Focusing on the final goal first and on the details later is also a great guideline for creating an ideal prototype.
2. Develop a model that is similar to the end product
Of course, rapid prototyping a web app is not the perfect way to make a full-functioning application. However, if you create a prototype that effectively offers the interactions a user can have with the application and the essential qualities it has, it will really simplify the subsequent development and you will gain very useful feedback.
3. Rehash your previous work or make reusable elements
So, how do you start rapid prototyping an app so that the result would feel like the final iteration of the app and be fast to produce? One of the possible ways is to use templates and design elements you’ve already made for other apps’ rapid prototyping. Don’t do the same work twice, and if you have to add something original for a mock-up of this project – save it to re-use later.
4. Omit some features
Another way to speed up the prototyping is to not include everything in the prototype. Of course, you should include the key features, but you need to know when to stop, or the process will grow into full-blown app creation before you know it.
5. Master the routine
If you want to make your mobile app rapid prototyping process fast, efficient and yet faithful to the final product, you should have a detailed plan of action. First of all, you need to make a decision about the number of details your model has to include based on the target audience you would have to present it to and the feedback you expect to gain. After that, put it on paper either in the form of a plan or a wireframe. Optimize it to make the code writing process faster. Only after that should you start the rapid prototyping mobile app procedure.
Conclusions
In the end, rapid prototyping smartphone app is a very important skill for every developer, no matter the experience. There also are hundreds of different tools you can master to make the process even smoother and the result even more impressive, including the best drawing apps for rapid prototyping and apple pencil diagramming. So, don't be afraid to experiment!
