As a product manager, you have a brilliant idea for a new product or feature that you want to bring to life. You have done your market research, defined your user personas, and mapped out your user journey. You are confident that your idea will solve a real problem for your target audience and create value for your business.

But before you invest a lot of time and money into developing your product or feature, you want to test it with your users, clients, or stakeholders. You want to get their feedback, validate your assumptions, and iterate on your design. You want to make sure that your product or feature is not only feasible and desirable, but also usable and viable.

How do you do that?

The answer is: by creating a prototype.

A prototype is a simplified version of your product or feature that demonstrates its functionality and design. It allows you to simulate how your product or feature will work in the real world, without building the actual product or feature.

A prototype can help you to:

• Communicate your vision and idea to your team, users, clients, or stakeholders
• Test your product or feature with your users and get their feedback
• Identify and fix any usability issues or design flaws
• Validate your assumptions and hypotheses
• Iterate on your design and improve your product or feature
• Reduce the risk of failure and waste of resources

But how do you create a prototype that is interactive, realistic, and testable?

You might think that you need to create a fully functional and polished product or feature, or you might think that you need to create a rough and sketchy product or feature. But neither of these options is ideal.

Creating a fully functional and polished product or feature might be too costly and time-consuming, and it might limit your ability to experiment and iterate. Creating a rough and sketchy product or feature might not be enough to get valid and reliable feedback, and it might not reflect the true potential of your product or feature.

What you need is a prototype that is just right: a prototype that has enough fidelity and functionality to simulate the real product or feature, but not too much that it becomes difficult to change and test.

Step 1: Define the goal and scope of your prototype

What do you want to achieve with your prototype? What do you want to test and learn with your prototype? What are the key features and functionalities of your prototype? What are the assumptions and hypotheses that you want to validate with your prototype?

The goal and scope of your prototype will depend on the stage of your product development process, the type of product or feature that you are creating, and the feedback that you are seeking.

For example, if you are in the early stage of your product development process, you have to create a prototype that helps you to explore different ideas and concepts, and to test the desirability and feasibility of your product or feature. In this case, your prototype might have a low fidelity and functionality, and it might focus on the core value proposition and user needs of your product or feature.

If you are in the later stage of your product development process, you have to create a prototype that helps you to refine and polish your product or feature, and to test the usability and viability of your product or feature. In this case, your prototype might have a high fidelity and functionality, and it might focus on the details and interactions of your product or feature.

The goal and scope of your prototype will also determine the level of detail and realism that you need to include in your prototype. For example, if you want to test the look and feel of your product or feature, you might need to include the visual design and branding elements in your prototype. If you want to test the flow and logic of your product or feature, you might need to include the navigation and transitions in your prototype. If you want to test the performance and reliability of your product or feature, you might need to include the data and logic in your prototype.

To define the goal and scope of your prototype, you can use the following questions as a guide:

• What is the problem that you are trying to solve with your product or feature?
• Who are your target users and what are their needs and pain points?
• What is the value proposition and unique selling point of your product or feature?
• What are the key features and functionalities of your product or feature?
• What are the user scenarios and use cases of your product or feature?
• What are the assumptions and hypotheses that you want to test with your prototype?
• What are the success criteria and metrics that you want to measure with your prototype?
• How much time and resources do you have to create and test your prototype?

Step 2: Choose the right prototyping tool

A prototyping tool is a software or platform that allows you to create and test your prototype. There are many prototyping tools available in the market, each with different features, functionalities, and advantages.

Some of the most popular prototyping tools are:

• Figma: Figma is a cloud-based design and prototyping tool that allows you to create and collaborate on interactive prototypes. You can use Figma to create wireframes, mockups, UI elements, animations, transitions, and more. You can also share your prototypes with your team, users, clients, or stakeholders, and get their feedback and comments in real time. Figma is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and web browsers.
• Sketch: Sketch is a vector-based design and prototyping tool that allows you to create and export high-fidelity prototypes. You can use Sketch to create layouts, icons, illustrations, typography, and more. You can also integrate Sketch with other tools and plugins, like InVision, Marvel, Framer, and Principle, to add interactivity and functionality to your prototypes. Sketch is compatible with Mac only.
• Adobe XD: Adobe XD is a design and prototyping tool that allows you to create and test interactive prototypes. You can use Adobe XD to create wireframes, mockups, UI elements, animations, transitions, voice interactions, and more. You can also share your prototypes with your team, users, clients, or stakeholders, and get their feedback and comments. Adobe XD is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Balsamiq: Balsamiq is a wireframing and prototyping tool that allows you to create and test low-fidelity prototypes. You can use Balsamiq to create sketches, layouts, UI elements, and more. You can also link your wireframes to create simple click-through prototypes. Balsamiq is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and web browsers.
• Proto.io: Proto.io is a web-based prototyping tool that allows you to create and test high-fidelity prototypes. You can use Proto.io to create wireframes, mockups, UI elements, animations, transitions, gestures, and more. You can also share your prototypes with your team, users, clients, or stakeholders, and get their feedback and comments. Proto.io is compatible with web browsers, iOS, and Android.

To choose the right prototyping tool, you need to consider the following factors:

• The goal and scope of your prototype
• The fidelity and functionality of your prototype
• The type and complexity of your product or feature
• The platform and device of your product or feature
• The time and budget of your project
• The skills and preferences of your team

Step 3: Create the prototype

This is the most creative and fun part of the process, where you can turn your idea into reality.

To create the prototype, you need to follow the design principles and best practices for your product or feature. You also need to use the features and functionalities of your prototyping tool to create the prototype that matches your goal and scope.

Depending on the level of detail and realism that you need for your prototype, you might need to create different types of prototypes, such as:

• Paper prototype: A paper prototype is a hand-drawn sketch of your product or feature that shows the layout, UI elements, and interactions. You can use paper, pens, scissors, glue, and other materials to create a paper prototype. A paper prototype is useful for testing the basic concept and structure of your product or feature, and for getting quick and cheap feedback from your users.
• Wireframe prototype: A wireframe prototype is a digital sketch of your product or feature that shows the layout, UI elements, and interactions. You can use a prototyping tool to create a wireframe prototype. A wireframe prototype is useful for testing the visual hierarchy and navigation of your product or feature, and for getting feedback from your team, clients, or stakeholders.

• Mockup prototype: A mockup prototype is a digital representation of your product or feature that shows the layout, UI elements, interactions, and visual design. You can use a prototyping tool to create a mockup prototype. A mockup prototype is useful for testing the look and feel of your product or feature, and for getting feedback from your users, clients, or stakeholders.
• Interactive prototype: An interactive prototype is a digital simulation of your product or feature that shows the layout, UI elements, interactions, visual design, and functionality. You can use a prototyping tool to create an interactive prototype. An interactive prototype is useful for testing the flow and logic of your product or feature, and for getting feedback from your users, clients, or stakeholders.

You might need to create more than one type of prototype, depending on the goal and scope of your prototype, and the feedback that you are seeking. You might also need to iterate on your prototype as you get feedback and learn from your tests.

To create the prototype, you can use the following steps as a guide:

• Sketch your ideas and concepts on paper or on a whiteboard. This will help you to brainstorm and visualize your product or feature, and to generate different alternatives and variations.
• Select the best idea or concept that matches your goal and scope, and that meets the user needs and pain points. This will help you to focus on the most promising and viable solution, and to avoid unnecessary complexity and distraction.
• Create a storyboard or a user flow that shows how your product or feature will work from the user’s perspective. This will help you to define the user scenarios and use cases, and to map out the steps and interactions that the user will take to achieve their goals.
• Create a wireframe or a mockup that shows the layout and UI elements of your product or feature. This will help you to design the visual hierarchy and navigation of your product or feature, and to create a consistent and intuitive user interface.
• Add interactivity and functionality to your wireframe or mockup, using the features and functionalities of your prototyping tool. This will help you to simulate the flow and logic of your product or feature, and to create a realistic and testable prototype.
• Review and refine your prototype, using the design principles and best practices for your product or feature. This will help you to improve the usability and aesthetics of your product or feature, and to ensure that your prototype meets the success criteria and metrics that you defined.

Step 4: Test the prototype

This is the where you can get feedback and learn from your users, clients, or stakeholders.

To test the prototype, you need to follow the user testing methods and best practices for your product or feature. You also need to use the features and functionalities of your prototyping tool to test your prototype.

Depending on the goal and scope of your prototype, you might need to test different aspects of your product or feature, such as:

• Desirability: Does your product or feature solve a real problem for your target audience? Does your product or feature create value for your target audience? Does your product or feature appeal to your target audience?
• Feasibility: Is your product or feature possible to build with the available technology and resources? Is your product or feature compatible with the existing systems and platforms? Is your product or feature reliable and secure?
• Usability: Is your product or feature easy to use and understand for your target audience? Is your product or feature intuitive and consistent for your target audience? Is your product or feature satisfying and enjoyable for your target audience?
• Viability: Is your product or feature profitable and sustainable for your business? Is your product or feature aligned with your business goals and strategy? Is your product or feature compliant with the legal and ethical standards?

To test the prototype, you can use the following steps as a guide:

• Define your target users and recruit them for your test. You can use your user personas and user segments to identify and select your target users. You can also use online platforms and tools, like UserTesting, User Interviews, and Validately, to recruit and manage your target users.
• Prepare your test plan and script. You can use your user scenarios and use cases to define the tasks and questions that you want your target users to perform and answer. You can also use online platforms and tools, like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, and Qualtrics, to create and distribute your test plan and script.
• Conduct your test and collect your data. You can use your prototyping tool to share your prototype with your target users, and to record their actions and reactions. You can also use online platforms and tools, like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Loom, to communicate and observe your target users. You can also use online platforms and tools, like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, FullStory, and Mixpanel, to track and analyze your target users’ behavior and feedback.
• Analyze your data and draw your insights. You can use qualitative and quantitative methods to process and interpret your data. You can also use online platforms and tools, like Airtable, Google Sheets, Excel, and Tableau, to organize and visualize your data. You can also use online platforms and tools, like Miro, Mural, Trello, and Asana, to collaborate and brainstorm with your team.

Step 5: Iterate on the prototype

This is the most iterative and adaptive part of the process, where you can improve and optimize your product or feature based on your feedback and learning.

To iterate on the prototype, you need to follow the agile and lean principles and best practices for your product or feature. You also need to use the features and functionalities of your prototyping tool to iterate on your prototype.

Depending on the feedback and learning that you received from your test, you might need to iterate on different aspects of your product or feature, such as:

• Concept: You might need to change or refine your product or feature idea, value proposition, or unique selling point, based on the desirability and feasibility of your product or feature.
• Structure: You might need to change or refine your product or feature layout, navigation, or hierarchy, based on the usability and aesthetics of your product or feature.
• Design: You might need to change or refine your product or feature UI elements, visual design, or branding, based on the look and feel of your product or feature.
• Functionality: You might need to change or refine your product or feature interactions, animations, transitions, or logic, based on the flow and performance of your product or feature.

To iterate on the prototype, you can use the following steps as a guide:

• Review your feedback and learn from your test. You can use your success criteria and metrics to evaluate and measure your product or feature. You can also use your insights and observations to identify and prioritize your product or feature problems and opportunities.
• Generate and select your solutions for your product or feature. You can use your brainstorming and ideation techniques to generate different alternatives and variations for your product or feature. You can also use your decision-making and evaluation techniques to select the best solutions for your product or feature.
• Implement and update your prototype with your solutions. You can use your prototyping tool to modify and enhance your prototype with your solutions. You can also use your design principles and best practices to ensure that your prototype meets the quality and standards of your product or feature.
• Test and validate your prototype with your solutions. You can use your user testing methods and best practices to test and validate your prototype with your solutions. You can also use your prototyping tool to share and test your prototype with your users, clients, or stakeholders.

Examples of prototypes

To inspire you and give you some ideas, here are some examples of prototypes from successful products and features:

• Airbnb: Airbnb is an online platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer unique accommodations around the world. Airbnb used paper prototypes, wireframe prototypes, mockup prototypes, and interactive prototypes to test and iterate on their product and features, like their search and booking functionality, their host and guest profiles, and their review and rating system.
• Slack: Slack is a cloud-based collaboration tool that allows teams to communicate and work together. Slack used paper prototypes, wireframe prototypes, mockup prototypes, and interactive prototypes to test and iterate on their product and features, like their chat and channel functionality, their app and bot integration, and their notification and emoji system.
• Spotify: Spotify is a streaming service that allows users to listen to music and podcasts. Spotify used paper prototypes, wireframe prototypes, mockup prototypes, and interactive prototypes to test and iterate on their product and features, like their playlist and recommendation functionality, their social and sharing functionality, and their offline and premium functionality.

Best practices for prototyping

To help you create a prototype that works, here are some best practices for prototyping:

• Start with low-fidelity and low-functionality prototypes, and gradually increase the fidelity and functionality as you test and iterate. This will help you to save time and resources, and to experiment and explore different options.
• Involve your users, clients, or stakeholders in the prototyping process, and get their feedback and input as early and as often as possible. This will help you to understand and meet their needs and expectations, and to create a product or feature that they will love and use.
• Test your prototype in the context and environment of your product or feature, and with realistic scenarios and tasks. This will help you to simulate and evaluate how your product or feature will work in the real world, and to identify and fix any issues or gaps.
• Iterate on your prototype based on your feedback and learning, and do not be afraid to change or discard your prototype if it does not work. This will help you to improve and optimize your product or feature, and to avoid attachment and confirmation bias.
• Document and communicate your prototype, and share your insights and learnings with your team, users, clients, or stakeholders. This will help you to collaborate and align with your team, users, clients, or stakeholders, and to showcase and validate your product or feature.

---

Follow Faqprime for more.