How do you create a user interface mockup that is realistic and interactive?

In my experience there are various levels of fidelity you can achieve for your interactive prototypes and I agree that you need to choose your tools accordingly, even mix them up. For example I use Figma to create my main flows and designs and for basic clickable prototyping. Figma allows me to establish a solid designs system and create re-usable patterns to be used across the design flows which maintains consistency. However for a highly realistic prototype I prefer to switch to either Framer or ProtoPie which allows me to integrate complex logic and micro animations.

Whichever tool you use, there is no substitute for viewing a design on its native device. If you're designing for mobile –?test and view it on a phone; the feedback will be so much different. Colors will feel different, sizing will feel different, layout will feel different. You won't be seeing multiple artboards at once, but rather will be feeling how they *do* flow without being able to see how they *should* flow. In choosing tools, it's also important to value your time. Successfully conveying the idea is the most important thing. Save yourself time to work on problems by reducing as much additional process as possible. If it reduces the imagination gap enough to convey the idea, then it's the right solution.

To create a realistic and interactive UI mockup, start by understanding your users and their needs. Sketch out ideas on paper first, focusing on layout. Use design tools like Figma or Adobe XD to build detailed designs and add interactive elements. Develop wireframes to map out the structure, then create high-fidelity mockups with colors, fonts, and branding. Use prototyping features to make the design interactive. Test the mockup with users and gather feedback, making necessary adjustments. Document everything for developers, detailing user flows and interactive elements. This process helps create a clear and functional UI mockup.

Selecting the right tool is like picking the perfect brush for a painting. Tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and InVision each have their unique strengths. Figma is fantastic for real-time collaboration, while Sketch is a favorite for its simplicity and plugins. Adobe XD offers robust prototyping features, and InVision excels in creating interactive prototypes. Choose what feels right for your workflow and project needs. #DesignTools #Figma #Sketch #AdobeXD #InVision

I recently used Figma for a project because it lets my team collaborate in real-time, making our design discussions efficient. For a fitness app, I planned how users would log workouts, set goals, and track progress, helping us focus on key design aspects. When working on an e-commerce site, I made sure the layout matched the brand's look and feel by using consistent colors and fonts. In a social media app mockup, I made it interactive with features like live commenting, making the design feel real. After user testing, I simplified the onboarding process to boost user engagement, refining the design accordingly.

Creating a realistic and interactive user interface (UI) mockup involves combining design tools, and prototyping software. The first thing you would do is understand the goals of your UI mockup. Identify key interactions and user flows that need to be showcased. Then you will select the design tool to create the visual elements of your UI. Popular tools include Sketch and Figma.

Creating user flows plays an important role in crafting best user experience. I have often seen that new designers sometimes skipping this step to create high fidelity mockups. Skipping the user flow step can lead to design inconsistencies and usability issues. Planning user flows helps ensure a logical and user-friendly design, making the mockup creation process more efficient and effective. It provides a roadmap for the user's journey through the interface.

More importantly than mockups of screens is flows that make sense. I've found it valuable to test flows on device, even if it's a wireframe or a sketch. It might look like it makes sense from above, but when you're in it, it may feel entirely different. Viewing on device also gives you a chance to break your own expectations and put yourself in the shoes of whoever else will be using it.

It may be the case that I view "user flow" very different than others. It would be ideal if it were the case that by user-flow ... we mean end-user flow. However, experience tells me something very different ... it's often product which drives user flows. A-B testing of actual users is something that design / development get's scolded for not doing but is rarely prioritized or given required funding.

Think of the user flow as the storyline of your design. It’s the journey your users will embark on. Use diagrams, sketches, or sticky notes to map out this journey. This step ensures you’re not just designing screens, but crafting an experience. It’s like plotting a map before a road trip – essential for a smooth journey. #UserExperience #UserFlow #DesignThinking

Another step required before thinking about the UI styles of the designs would be to create simple low fidelity wireframes of the screens. This will allow you to concentrate purely on the structure of the screens reduce the time taken to reiterate the designs.

Again ... let the real customer drive the traffic and can only really be achieved with real A/B testing. (I'm not a designer ... I was giving kudos to someone in design and they pulled me in here.)

This is where your creativity shines! Arrange your content, navigation, buttons, and forms thoughtfully. Choose colors, fonts, and icons that align with your brand’s voice. Utilize UI kits and templates to maintain consistency and speed up your process. Remember, a well-designed layout is like a well-composed piece of music – harmonious and engaging. #UIDesign #VisualDesign #DesignConsistency

Interactivity is so helpful. A 3 second loading time can feel faster than a 1 second loading time –?it all depends on how the information presents itself. Having interactions in place can change decisions about the product. Instead of changing the navigation structure of a screen, maybe all it needs is the right transition. A minor tip –?things should enter where they left from. Imagine a physical space – things stay where you put them. If you close a drawer by pushing it to the right, it doesn't open again from above you. Your brain knows this about physical space, and applies the same expectation to the digital space.

The mockup tool is really just to sell the product owner. Prior to over-promising fancy gestures, transitions etc ... first maybe validate that the framework they work in can handle it reasonably ... also consider ... will transitions really lead to real revenue.

Make your mockup come alive by adding interactivity. Link screens with transitions, gestures, and clicks. Incorporate conditional logic and variables to simulate real user interactions. This step transforms your static designs into dynamic experiences, much like turning a script into a live performance. #InteractiveDesign #Prototyping #UserInteraction

Again ... I have to type 120 characters so as to be able to post this as a legitimate post ... but A/B testing ... A/B testing. With that ... think is it better to spend time on perfecting something that doesn't drive revenue or to test 10 things of which only 1 generates revenue ... but that 1 thing makes up for all the rest.

Testing is your safety net. Use preview modes and testing tools like UserTesting, Hotjar, or Google Analytics to gather feedback. This step is crucial to identify and fix errors, ensuring your design is user-friendly. Think of it as rehearsing before the big show – it’s all about refining and perfecting. #UsabilityTesting #UserFeedback #IterativeDesign

"Before you start creating your mockup, you need to define your user flow." I write about this; I call it "ProcessUI." If you can't articulate what you want users to do as a diagram (I use BPMN, which is excellent), then you're not ready to start writing stories or building comps, full stop. Stories and comps are not the same; they do not build a clear mental model that can be easily referenced and discussed by any stakeholder, including users. They go stale quickly and generally focus users on the design, which is not the place you should start--that is 90s marketing think. I work with a lot of clients, and they all nod but seldom follow through. UI/UX developers need to evolve this practice.

To do that, use a design tool like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Start with wireframes to outline the structure, then add detailed design elements and branding. Use interactive features within these tools to add clickable elements and animations, simulating user interactions for a more realistic experience. Ensure to test the mockup with stakeholders for feedback and iterative improvements.

Every project has its unique quirks and insights. Share stories or examples that highlight your design process or challenges you overcame. Maybe a time when user feedback led to a breakthrough, or how a particular tool saved the day. These anecdotes add depth and relatability to your narrative. #DesignStories #UXInsights #CreativeProcess

Another important aspect: how does your mockup translate to developers? How can you maximize reusability of the mockup assets? Many comping/prototype strategies provide "pretty pictures" that are useful as references, but useless insofar as a reusable asset. A developer gets a comp and breaks out screen rulers and eye droppers to try and get the information, or the information is laid in as annotations that provide information in a non-standard way. Figma is impressive here. Figma assets translate directly to code. It's pretty remarkable; you design a component (which can be an entire view) using a UIKit file from something like Material or Prime, and the output is an actual React component with Tailwind styles already laid in.

While executing the mock-ups and final presentations one should always take following thing into consideration - Devices and environment it going to be used - showcase the exact feature/important feature is being used by user -always go through more option initially before finalising into any specific mockup - one can also navigate a story board through the mock-ups -always use high resolutions imagery and user vectors for interfaces interfaces -last but not least attention to details matters most