What do you do if you need to create and share interactive prototypes?

1 Choose the right tool

Choosing the right tool for your project is the first step. There are many options available, but not all of them are suitable. Consider the complexity and fidelity of your prototype, the platform and device, and the collaboration and sharing features of your tool. For example, Figma is a web-based tool that allows you to design, prototype, and collaborate in one place. Adobe XD is a desktop and mobile app that offers design, prototyping, and sharing capabilities. InVision is a web-based tool that enables you to turn static designs into interactive prototypes. All three tools allow you to share your prototype with a link or invite others to edit or review it online. Additionally, Figma and Adobe XD offer animations and interactions, while InVision lets you upload designs from other tools.

2 Define the scope and purpose

The second step is to define the scope and purpose of your prototype. You need to have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, who your target audience is, and what the key features and functionalities are that you want to demonstrate. This will enable you to concentrate on the essential elements of your design and prevent unnecessary details or distractions. To do this, ask yourself questions such as: what is the problem or goal that your prototype is trying to solve or achieve? Who are the users or stakeholders that will interact with or evaluate your prototype? What are the main tasks or scenarios that your prototype will enable or support? And what are the success criteria or feedback that you want to get from your prototype?

3 Sketch the flow and layout

The third step is to sketch the flow and layout of your prototype. You need to map out the structure, navigation, and interface of your prototype, and how the users will move from one screen or state to another. You can use paper and pencil, digital tools, or wireframing kits to create rough sketches of your prototype. Sketching can be beneficial in several ways; it helps visualize and organize ideas and concepts, identify potential issues or gaps in the design, and communicate and iterate on the design with a team or client.

4 Add the content and interactions

The fourth step is to add the content and interactions to your prototype. You need to fill in the text, images, icons, colors, fonts, and other elements that will make up your prototype, as well as animations, transitions, gestures, buttons, links, and other interactions that will make it responsive and engaging. To ensure success, use realistic and relevant content that matches your target audience and purpose. Make sure the interactions are consistent and intuitive with best practices and conventions of your platform and device. Additionally, use appropriate visuals that enhance your design and brand identity without being too many or too few. Avoid using lorem ipsum or generic placeholders as well as complex or unfamiliar interactions that could confuse or frustrate users.

5 Test and refine your prototype

The fifth step is to test and refine your prototype. You need to check the functionality, usability, and desirability of your prototype, and see how it performs with real or potential users. To do this, you can use user testing to observe and interview users as they interact with your prototype. You can also use usability testing to measure and evaluate the ease of use, efficiency, and satisfaction of your prototype. Additionally, A/B testing is a method that involves comparing and contrasting two or more versions of your prototype. All of these methods and tools can help you collect feedback, insights, metrics, data, statistics, and results from your users.

6 Share and present your prototype

The sixth and final step is to share and present your prototype. You need to showcase the design decisions, process, and outcomes to clients, stakeholders, or team members. Different formats and tools can be used to share and present your prototype, such as video recordings with Loom, Screencastify, or QuickTime; slides with PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides; or a live demo with Figma, Adobe XD, or InVision. These can be shared via email, chat, social media, web conferencing, screen sharing, or projection.