What are the best practices for using Marvel to prototype UI with real data?

1 Why use real data?

Using real data in your UI prototypes can help you validate your design assumptions and hypotheses with more accuracy and confidence, as well as communicate your design vision and value proposition more clearly and convincingly to stakeholders and users. Additionally, it can be used to test usability and functionality more realistically and effectively, as well as identify and resolve potential design issues before development. Lastly, it can be used to enhance your design creativity and innovation by exploring different data possibilities and scenarios.

3 How to use data sets?

Data sets are collections of real data that you can use to populate your data variables. You can create and manage data sets in the Data tab of the Marvel editor. You can also import data sets from external sources, such as CSV files, Google Sheets, or APIs. Data sets can help you create more realistic and diverse prototypes that reflect the variety and complexity of real data. For example, you can use data sets to show different user profiles, product details, or feedback ratings in your prototypes.

4 How to use data linking?

Data linking is a feature that allows you to link your data variables and data sets to specific UI elements or screens in your prototypes. You can use data linking to create more interactive and consistent prototypes that respond to user input or navigation. For example, you can use data linking to show relevant data based on user search or filter criteria, or to update data across multiple screens based on user changes or actions.

5 How to use data sources?

Data sources are external services or platforms that you can use to access and update real data in your prototypes. You can connect your prototypes to data sources using Zapier, a tool that allows you to create workflows and integrations between different apps and services. Data sources can help you create more dynamic and live prototypes that sync with real data and events. For example, you can use data sources to send and receive real emails, messages, or notifications in your prototypes, or to display real-time data, such as weather, news, or stock prices.

6 What are some tips and best practices?

When using Marvel to prototype UI with real data, it’s important to plan and define your data needs and goals before creating your prototypes. You should use data that is relevant, accurate, and representative of your target users and scenarios. Make sure the data is clear, concise, and consistent, as well as realistic but not sensitive or confidential. Finally, it’s important to test and refine your prototypes with real data, checking for any errors, inconsistencies, or gaps. Get feedback from users or stakeholders on how they perceive and interact with the data.

7 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?