How can you test the responsiveness of a UI prototype?

I built a moderated and unmoderated user research platform with a prototyping tool that converts internal and Figma prototypes to HTML, so the responsiveness can be tested the way you would with any webpage.

At Top Level Traffic, we wield the power of these tools to create a pixel-perfect replica of your design vision. Let your creativity soar as you craft a digital masterpiece that even the pickiest of pixels would admire! ????? Next, unleash the magic of interactive elements within your prototype. Explore the vast universe of clickable buttons, dropdown menus, and mesmerizing animations to bring your creation to life! ??? Now, it's time to put your prototype to the ultimate test, of responsiveness! Strap on your spacesuit and embrace the multi-device dimension. Use the prototyping tool's preview mode to journey through various screen sizes, from the colossal desktops to the pocket-sized wonders. ????

Using a prototyping tool for your website is like having a virtual playground for your ideas. Instead of jumping straight into coding, you get to design and test how your website will look and feel using tools like Figma or Adobe XD. It's like sketching your site's blueprint without needing to be a coding expert. These tools let you see how your design adapts to different screens, making sure it looks great on everything from big desktops to tiny phones. It's like trying out your game before you build it, saving you time and making sure your users will have a smooth experience.

Use various devices, browsers, and screen resolutions. Assess orientation changes and interactive element functionality. Test performance, cross-platform compatibility, and user flow. Prioritize accessibility and gather real-user feedback. Utilize tools for performance metrics and consider responsive design frameworks. Employ cross-browser testing tools for comprehensive validation. Adapt content for readability and functionality across different screens.

I'd go for Figma any day, because it is really easy to test the prototype in figma considering you have set the design interactions perfectly for proto. Some time its best of have proto screens separate to the main design file, because prototype have certain floating/out of place elements that can confuse developers during hand off process, if they were to use the same designs. Bonus tip is you can always present your prototype to stakeholders from right with in Figma present mode.

At Top Level Traffic, we activate the element inspector and unleash its ability to dissect and examine your prototype's layout. Delve into the cosmic code, inspecting individual elements and their responsiveness like a master detective! ?????♀? Next, metamorphose into different device dimensions using the responsive design mode. Shrink yourself down to the size of a pocket communicator, or stretch out to the grand scale of a desktop screen. Witness how your prototype adapts and dances with the cosmos! ???? Now, harness the power of network throttling to simulate different connection speeds. Observe how your prototype handles different environments and ensure it remains as swift as a shooting star! ????

Diving into browser tools is a superhero move for UI prototype responsiveness. Whether using Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools, or Responsive Web Design Tester, these trusty sidekicks ensure seamless performance. ??♂??? Essential for testing across browsers, they resize windows, emulate devices, inspect HTML/CSS, and debug, providing insights into rendering on different engines. It's not just about looks; it's about performing seamlessly on all browsers, enhancing compatibility and elevating website performance. ???? Ready to dive in? Let your UI prototype shine! ??

During development it makes sense to use your browser tools to check the responsiveness of the website. It pretty straight forward and newer browsers have a list of devices and their screen ratios you can quickly choose from. But that's not it. The user might be using a different browser and even a different OS. Online tools like browserstack provides multiplatform support and you can choose the OS and device. Its free to use and even have local testing support. This is much better than an online tool where you have to deploy your site first and then paste the url to do the testing.

At Top Level Traffic, we seek out the online tools specifically designed for responsiveness testing (Or we code our own). These digital companions provide an array of features that will make your testing voyage smooth and delightful! ???? Next, upload your prototype and let it embark on a journey through a parallel universe of device dimensions. Witness how your creation adapts to different screen sizes, from the colossal desktop galaxies to the pocket-sized wonders of mobile devices. It's like a cosmic rollercoaster ride for your UI! ???? Now, immerse yourself in the magical world of breakpoints. Observe how your prototype gracefully adjusts its layout, ensuring everything stays in perfect harmony across the digital cosmos! ????

Utilizing online tools is a convenient third avenue for testing UI prototype responsiveness. Platforms like Responsinator, BrowserStack, and LambdaTest, hosted on websites or cloud platforms, offer seamless testing on various devices. ???? Ideal for assessing how your website looks across different models and brands, these tools let you enter a URL, choose a device, and view screenshots or live previews. It's a quick way to check both appearance and functionality on diverse devices, ensuring a smooth user experience. ??? Ready to explore the expansive landscape of online testing? Enhance your UI prototype's compatibility effortlessly! ??????

In the design phase using the inspect element to test on different aspect ratios is a huge help I would still recommend having an actual device for 100% accuracy

Nothing is as accurate for testing as a real device. Any prototyping or automated testing tool will always lack some nuance and detail that real devices offer, like different showing/hiding UI elements depending on browsers or how the status bar might clash with the UI of the prototype. That's why it's essential to always test on real devices.

At Top Level Traffic, frst we gather an armada of devices from different galaxies: the majestic smartphone, the formidable tablet, and the mighty desktop computer. Each device holds its own unique powers and challenges for your UI prototype to conquer! ???? Next, unleash your prototype upon these devices like a fearless cosmic conqueror. Witness firsthand how it adapts and transforms its layout, like a master shape-shifter navigating different screens and resolutions. It's a mesmerizing dance of UI elements! ??? Now, embark on a treasure hunt for responsiveness anomalies. It's like exploring a mysterious alien planet, uncovering secrets to ensure a seamless top-level user experience! ????

Real devices are 100% the most accurate way of testing - as long as you have access to the types your target audience will be using. While device simulators etc. are good, they don't give the real experience. A cursor, for example, is much more precise than your finger simply due to the size. Your cursor can also move around the whole screen and easily touch every corner, whereas you are more limited when holding your phone in your hand. These are the type of experiences you will notice properly only by testing on the actual device.

Engaging real devices is a crucial fourth step in testing UI prototype responsiveness. ???? Real devices offer the most reliable insights into the actual user experience and feedback. From smartphones to laptops, these tangible tools mirror the diverse user landscape. ??? Connecting devices to your computer, using a local server, or uploading your prototype to a hosting service enables authentic testing. This hands-on method helps validate and refine your website, ensuring it meets user expectations. ?????? Ready to witness your UI prototype in action on real screens? It's the ultimate litmus test for a seamless user experience! ??

Leveraging feedback tools is a powerful fifth strategy for testing UI prototype responsiveness. ???? Tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, and UserTesting provide invaluable insights into how your website performs in terms of usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction. ???? By tracking user behavior, measuring engagement, and collecting opinions, these tools offer a comprehensive view of your UI prototype's performance. The data gathered allows you to optimize and enhance your website based on real user feedback. ????? Ready to refine your UI prototype with actionable insights? Dive into the wealth of feedback tools to elevate your user experience! ??

At Top Level Traffic, first, we seek out these celestial tools specifically designed to capture user feedback. They're like trusty intergalactic translators, transforming user opinions into actionable insights for your UI prototype. ???? Next, unleash the power of these tools upon your prototype, inviting users to share their thoughts and experiences. It's like opening a wormhole to a realm of constructive criticism and celestial praises! ???? Be prepared for the cosmic whirlwind of feedback, as users navigate your prototype and share their cosmic wisdom. Embrace the diverse perspectives, from the enthusiastic stargazers to the critical cosmic critics. It's like a celestial symphony of opinions! ????

The mobile-first approach is great - it's what many frameworks including Bootstrap follow. By starting mobile-first, you would normally strip your site and its content down to the bare minimum. Find the right balance between visual appeal but a good user experience that doesn't require too much unnecessary scrolling. Once the mobile version is sorted, you can start adding more visuals, animations etc. to larger devices such as desktops - where we have a larger space and can utilise white space more to our advantage. One final note: Strip your mobile version to only what is essential, _but_ do not strip it completely of visuals. Make it engaging!

Web best practices are especially important due to the internet's remarkable longevity. Even today we can view some of the earliest websites ever built! For your designs to stand the test of time, you must create and test for the users of today and tomorrow.

Using best practices when testing a prototype responsiveness is based on the designers knowledge and experience, this is why great designers have a mobile-first approach in mind always. A best practice is to redesign the sections for mobile only, which will differ from the desktop or tablet versions, since the mobile user flow will surely be different than bigger screen sizes. That’s why showing Call-to-Actions above the fold is of key importance to drive conversions. Ultimately, to be effective at testing responsiveness it’s key to employ a mix of experience and best practices.

Here’s how I used to test it. Design everything in sketch, put it in Invision to prototype, send it to my manager at the time to test and get feedback. How I test now, design wireframe in Figma, set up prototype using the prototype function in Figma. Once the initial testing is signed off, copy into Webflow, set it up there to test again, and gather more feedback. It’s good too see it in staging, cause there are some things that are easily done in Figma, that might not be that easy in practice. So test, test, and test.

Some more Top Level Traffic tips, you say?... Ahh, I got you! <3 Remember the diverse ecosystem of devices and screen sizes in the digital universe. Ensure your prototype journeys through the vast galaxies of smartphones, tablets, and desktops, adapting gracefully to every viewport. It's like providing a customized spacesuit for each brave interstellar traveler! ???? Next, embark on a cosmic quest to conquer different network conditions. Test your UI prototype on both the warp-speed network of a starship and the slow, distant communication of a remote space outpost. Ensure your prototype remains responsive and graceful, like a cosmic ballet performer in any network scenario! ????