Description: Interactive prototyping is a design methodology that allows users to interact with a functional model of a product before its final development. This technique focuses on creating prototypes that simulate the user experience, facilitating the evaluation of concepts and designs in the early stages of the development process. Through no-code and low-code tools, designers can build prototypes without advanced programming knowledge, democratizing access to design and enabling broader collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. The main features of interactive prototyping include the ability to make quick and efficient changes, the possibility of receiving immediate feedback from users, and the creation of a more immersive experience that helps identify usability issues before final implementation. This methodology is especially relevant in the current context, where agility and adaptability are crucial for the success of digital products. By allowing designers and developers to visualize and test ideas tangibly, interactive prototyping becomes an essential tool in the software development lifecycle, improving the quality of the final product and user satisfaction.
History: The concept of interactive prototyping has evolved over the past few decades, with its roots in user-centered design that began to gain popularity in the 1980s. With advancements in technology and the advent of digital design tools, prototyping became more accessible. In the 2000s, the rise of no-code and low-code platforms further facilitated the creation of interactive prototypes, allowing designers without programming skills to quickly develop functional models. This shift has been driven by the need for greater collaboration among teams and the demand for more user-centered products.
Uses: Interactive prototyping is primarily used in software and application development, where it allows design and development teams to validate ideas and concepts before final implementation. It is also applied in creating user interfaces, where designers can test usability and user experience. Additionally, it is useful in education and training, allowing students and professionals to experiment with design concepts practically.
Examples: An example of interactive prototyping is the use of tools like Figma or Adobe XD, which allow designers to create navigable prototypes of web and mobile applications. Another practical application is the use of platforms like Bubble or Webflow, which enable users to build applications without the need for coding, facilitating the creation of functional prototypes that can be tested by users across various contexts before launch.
