What are the biggest mistakes when creating a mockup?

1 Not defining the goal

The first mistake is not defining the goal of your mockup clearly. A mockup should not be a random collection of elements, but a representation of the purpose and functionality of your website. You should start by identifying the main problem you are trying to solve, the target audience, the value proposition, and the key features of your website. This will help you focus on the essential aspects of your mockup, and avoid unnecessary distractions and clutter.

2 Not following the design principles

The second mistake is not following the basic design principles, such as contrast, alignment, hierarchy, balance, and consistency. These principles help you create a mockup that is visually appealing, easy to read, and intuitive to navigate. You should use colors, fonts, shapes, and spacing that match your brand identity, and create a clear visual hierarchy that guides the user's attention and actions. You should also ensure that your mockup is consistent across different pages and devices, and follows the web standards and conventions.

3 Not using a grid system

The third mistake is not using a grid system to organize your mockup. A grid system is a framework that divides your layout into columns and rows, and helps you align and distribute your elements evenly and proportionally. A grid system can improve the readability, responsiveness, and scalability of your mockup, and make it easier to adjust and modify later. You can use a grid system tool, such as Bootstrap or Foundation, or create your own custom grid based on your needs and preferences.

4 Not using real content

The fourth mistake is not using real content in your mockup. Many web designers use placeholder text, images, and icons in their mockup, which can give a false impression of how the website will look and function in reality. Placeholder content can also cause problems with the layout, typography, and accessibility of your mockup, and make it harder to test and validate your assumptions. You should use real content, or at least realistic content, in your mockup, as it will help you design for the actual context and needs of your users.

5 Not getting feedback

The fifth mistake is not getting feedback on your mockup from others. A mockup is not a final product, but a prototype that needs to be evaluated and improved. You should not rely on your own judgment, but seek feedback from your clients, stakeholders, users, and peers. Feedback can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your mockup, and discover new ideas and opportunities for improvement. You should use feedback tools, such as InVision or Balsamiq, or conduct usability tests, to collect and analyze feedback on your mockup.