How can you effectively prototype in a remote work environment?

1 Choose the right tools

The first step is to choose the right tools for your prototyping needs. Depending on your product type, complexity, and fidelity, you may need different tools to create and share your prototypes. For example, you can use online platforms like Figma, InVision, or Balsamiq to create interactive wireframes and mockups, or code editors like CodePen, Glitch, or GitHub to create functional prototypes. You should also consider the tools that your team and stakeholders use to communicate and collaborate, such as Slack, Zoom, or Google Docs, and integrate your prototypes with them.

2 Define the scope and goals

The next step is to define the scope and goals of your prototyping process. What are you trying to achieve with your prototype? What are the key features and functionalities that you want to test? What are the assumptions and hypotheses that you want to validate? How will you measure the success of your prototype? These questions will help you focus on the most important aspects of your product and avoid wasting time on unnecessary details. You should also communicate your scope and goals clearly to your team and stakeholders, and align them on the expectations and feedback criteria.

3 Iterate and test frequently

The third step is to iterate and test your prototypes frequently. Prototyping is not a one-time activity, but a continuous cycle of learning and improvement. You should always seek feedback from your team, users, and stakeholders, and use it to refine your prototypes. You can use various methods to test your prototypes remotely, such as user interviews, surveys, usability tests, or A/B tests. You should also document your findings and insights, and share them with your team and stakeholders.

4 Use visual and verbal cues

The fourth step is to use visual and verbal cues to enhance your prototypes and communication. Visual cues are elements that help your audience understand and interact with your prototypes, such as labels, icons, tooltips, or animations. Verbal cues are explanations that help your audience grasp the context and purpose of your prototypes, such as comments, notes, or narrations. You can use these cues to highlight the key features and functionalities of your prototypes, as well as the limitations and assumptions. You can also use them to guide your audience through the user journey and scenarios.

5 Embrace collaboration and feedback

The final step is to embrace collaboration and feedback as part of your prototyping process. Prototyping is not a solo activity, but a team effort that involves multiple perspectives and inputs. You should involve your team and stakeholders throughout the prototyping process, and encourage them to share their ideas, opinions, and suggestions. You should also be open to constructive criticism and different viewpoints, and use them to improve your prototypes. You can use tools like Miro, Mural, or Jamboard to create collaborative spaces where you can brainstorm, sketch, and co-create your prototypes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?