App prototypes assist teams to understand the problems faced by clients, obtain user feedback and test prior to the full launch of a mobile app.
Below we outline 6 reasons why it is important to create an app prototype before product development.
The Problem
Loading up images on a presentation slide will not help you anymore, particularly if the app is slightly complex and dynamic. What you need is a demo that can communicate the practicality, user flow and the complete user experience for your mobile app idea.
This can be accomplished by developing an app prototype without even writing a line of code.
The Solution
Developing an app prototype is the latest way of creating a model of an app, so that it can be analysed and tested prior to the development of the full app.
It is equivalent to drawing up a sketch of the product or taking it for a test run. For instance, your customer signals what they want to gain from the app. This will enable you to develop a functional prototype based on their needs.
Following on from that, the prototype will go through testing, feedback, editing, coding and repairs.
Afterwards, further revisions and testing will be completed prior to its launch. This will allow you to give the users a product with minimum problems/bugs and without any nasty surprises.
1. Launch fast & quick to validate your idea in the market
To develop an app, you will need to brainstorm all your ideas. This can impact your team as they are bombarded with a multitude of ideas. How do you know if any of these ideas will work?
An app prototype can assist with this. This is due to you being able to implement and launch several ideas rapidly, to see what it looks like and how the market reacts.
Everybody, from developers, staff, shareholders and customers can provide feedback and reviews. Additionally, it can also minimise any defects in the app as you proceed towards an actual launch date. Therefore, saving you money and time.
2. Creating a transparent feedback system
Obtaining instant user feedback assists teams to make timely alterations. Additionally, having an app prototype tool means everybody can review the designs and give feedback at the early stage of product development.
The feedback procedure should be easy for everybody and not force individuals to sign up or download any plugins.
This feedback assists teams in developing the product roadmap and also ensures that the product design meets the user’s expectations.
3. Improving team collaborations
The correct prototyping tools allow allocated teams to communicate and work in sync. They can review the design and make alterations based on the feedback.
Team collaboration gives them the chance to research new ideas and gauge opinions. Teams that have all the prototypes in one place can be inspired and observe what other teams are involved in.
Moreover, prototyping provides a centralised platform for design reviews, editing and repetition.
We all know that great things occur when teams work and collaborate together.
4. Minimising development time
Prior to the introduction of an app prototype practise, design alterations or adjustments in the final hour were not unheard of. It is actually one of the main reasons why web and app agencies of the past have failed.
Additionally, alterations to the code and functionality of the app can be frustrating and time consuming.
This has a huge negative impact on the overall product cycle. It is also more worrying if problems occur at the post-production stage or if there are issues with compliance that need to be met.
Prototyping has made it simple for teams to save money and minimise time on app development.
5. Making it easy for non-technical users
Let’s be honest, most stakeholders are not tech savvy. They also have no knowledge of coding and wireframes.
What is important to them is the appearance of the final product.
As prototyping provides a demo, they are able to understand things more clearly. It also allows them to navigate between the screens.
This allows key stakeholders to talk through the features opposed to wasting time in trying to help them understand the entire design.
6. Easier to get investment
Prior to securing capital on a project, an investor is likely to want to know how your product works.
An app prototype gives them a tangible demo, so that they can engage, test and view how the product will resolve user issues.
Having a prototype for your product enhances the likelihood of obtaining investment.
There are many early-stage investors, who strongly advocate for the use of prototypes, and this is one of the key items they look for when shortlisting opportunities.
With prototyping you can:
- Obtain validation for your idea at an early stage.
- Develop the project requirements and decrease the risks and unnecessary rework in later development phases.
- Acknowledge your customer’s needs and alter your product accordingly.
- Minimise budget and time as your app vision becomes clear.
- Demonstrate and pitch your product idea to the investors.
Final note
App prototypes allow designers, developers and stakeholders to view all the problems and features prior to the app launch. This in turn helps them to make changes and decrease issues.
It also allows for you to save time and money, and more importantly provide a great user experience without any issues or surprises.
Want to learn more about app prototyping? Need to validate your idea and apply for start-up funding?
Contact us today on 0203 150 0565 or email info@thealtitudeagency.com to find out more.
