Introduction

Beginning development on a project without a prototype is like trying to drink water using only your tongue, you can do it but it will take longer.

Think of prototyping as the conversation you have with your ideas. It solidifies exactly what is expected of you & will save a lot of time in the long run. Even if it may seem like taking a scenic route to your destination at first.

For some it may be obvious to build the plans before beginning construction, but for others (like myself) who let their excitement get the better of them & just want to start coding, the word prototype sounds like some fogey word for overcomplicating things.

Let's see some pros & cons of prototyping & why you (or your designer) should build them before delving into the matrix.

Pros

Prototypes make for a really good first deliverable on a project. It outlines requirements for the developer, let's the client/user have an early look at the product, and is a fast way to exchange helpful & relevant feedback.

It gives the user or the client a feeling of involvement early on in the development life cycle, they will have a working model to click through and test the look and feel which is often their main focus.

If any changes need to be made, they can be clarified and resolved before any amount of time has been spent on developing the feature. This reduces development costs, time, and any confusion or uncertainty that the developer may have approaching a specific problem.

Cons

The biggest problem when it comes to prototyping is explaining to the user that the prototype IS NOT the final product.

In some cases the developer/designer could spend excessive time trying to perfect a prototype, when the intention of a prototype is to be built efficiently.

I'm clutching at straws trying to think of more cons. I guess thats why its called a PROtotype.

Closing

If you're still reading this after that joke,

Here's a list of some cool tools i've checked out:

Adobe XD
Marvel App
Axure RP
InVision

My knowledge is limited to my experience, I'd like to hear your thoughts