Question 1

What is the difference between wireframes and prototypes?

Accepted Answer

Wireframes are static, low-fidelity sketches showing layout and content structure. Prototypes are interactive, simulating real user interactions. Start with wireframes to explore ideas, then prototype to test flows.

Question 2

When should I use low-fidelity vs high-fidelity?

Accepted Answer

Low-fidelity (sketches, basic wireframes) for early exploration when ideas are fluid. High-fidelity (polished, interactive) when testing specific UI decisions or presenting to stakeholders. Match fidelity to decision stage.

Question 3

Can I prototype without design skills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tools like Whimsical and Balsamiq are designed for non-designers. Start with basic shapes and flows. The goal is communication, not pixel-perfection. Rough prototypes still validate ideas.

Question 4

How do I test prototypes with users?

Accepted Answer

Share a clickable prototype link. Watch users attempt tasks ("find the pricing page"). Note where they struggle. Don't guide—observe. 5 users reveal most usability issues. Tools like Maze add analytics.

Question 5

Figma, Sketch, or Framer for prototyping?

Accepted Answer

Figma is the most versatile—great for wireframes and interactive prototypes, browser-based for easy sharing. Framer produces the most realistic prototypes but has a learning curve. Whimsical is simplest for quick wireframes.

Question 6

What should I prototype first?

Accepted Answer

Core user flows that represent your value proposition. The signup to first-value journey. The main action users take repeatedly. Don't prototype settings pages—focus on what matters for validation.

Question 7

How interactive should my prototype be?

Accepted Answer

Interactive enough to test the questions you have. If testing navigation, link pages together. If testing a specific interaction, build that detail. Don't over-build—prototypes are disposable.

Question 8

Can I use prototypes for investor demos?

Accepted Answer

Yes, high-fidelity prototypes can demo your vision before you build. Be transparent that it's a prototype. Some founders use prototypes to validate market interest before writing code.

Question 9

How do I share prototypes with stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Figma and Framer generate shareable links. Viewers don't need accounts. Add comments for feedback. Present prototypes in meetings to align on direction. Prototypes prevent miscommunication.

Question 10

What is paper prototyping?

Accepted Answer

Sketching interfaces on paper and manually simulating interactions. Someone plays the "computer," swapping pages as users tap. Fastest way to test very early ideas. No tools needed—just paper and users.

Question 11

How many iterations should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Plan for 3-5 iterations of significant concepts. Test, learn, refine. Each iteration should address issues found in testing. Stop when core flows work smoothly for users.

Question 12

What is a user flow diagram?

Accepted Answer

A visual map of steps users take to complete a task. Boxes for screens, arrows for navigation. Helps you understand the journey before designing individual screens. Whimsical excels at these.

Question 13

Should developers be involved in prototyping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for feasibility feedback. Developers can flag technically expensive ideas early. Include them in reviews but let designers drive the exploration. Early collaboration prevents late surprises.

Question 14

What is design thinking?

Accepted Answer

A problem-solving approach: empathize (understand users), define (clarify the problem), ideate (brainstorm solutions), prototype (build models), test (validate with users). Prototyping is a core step in this process.

Question 15

How do I know when to stop iterating?

Accepted Answer

When users complete tasks successfully, when major usability issues are resolved, and when stakeholders align on direction. Perfection isn't the goal—validated direction is. Ship and learn from real usage.

Question 16

Can I convert prototypes to code?

Accepted Answer

Framer prototypes can export to production code. Figma designs inform development but don't generate production code directly. Prototypes are for validation—rebuild properly for production.

Question 17

What metrics matter for prototype testing?

Accepted Answer

Task completion rate, time on task, error rate, and qualitative feedback. Can users do what you need them to do? Where do they struggle? What do they expect that isn't there?

Question 18

How do I document prototype learnings?

Accepted Answer

Record testing sessions (with permission). Take notes on patterns and surprises. Summarize key findings and decisions. Share with the team. Learnings inform both current design and future iterations.

I need to prototype and wireframe ideas quickly

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