If you want to have a successful app among the 3.55 million apps published on the Google Play Store, building an app yourself can get you there faster.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your app idea become a clickable product that users would absolutely love, know that you’re in for an adventurous ride. It can seem like a difficult journey to go from that first idea to a polished product in the app stores.
The prototype is a potent instrument that could be used to close the gap between your idea and a finished product.
Consider a prototype as a reduced-scale version of the application you are developing.
In other words, it’s a practical illustration highlighting the main features and user interface (UI), or how users will interact with the app. Consider it as a rough draft of a house before the building ever starts.
Learning how to create an app from scratch involves a series of steps, from conceptualizing your idea to designing and coding the application.
But before you jump headfirst into intricate coding, a prototype lets you refine your concepts, spot possible obstacles, and get priceless user input.
Step 1: Know Your Why and Who: Define Purpose and Target Audience
Before diving into visuals, take a moment to step back and ask yourself some key questions.
What is your app all about? What issues is your app trying to tackle? Who’s your targeted demographic?
It goes without saying that a game intended for young children would look and feel different from a fitness app created for working professionals or frequent gym-goers. The goal and intended user base of your app should be crystal clear to you at every stage of the prototyping process.
Step 2: Brainstorming: Low-Fidelity Wireframing
It’s time to unleash your creativity and map out your app’s basic layout and functionalities. Don’t get bogged down by fancy visuals; focus on functionality.
Sketch out different screens, showing where buttons, menus, and content will be placed. Think of it as a basic blueprint for your app.
Step 3: Considering User Flow: Mapping User Stories
Imagine a person interacting with your software. How would they go about doing something like booking a yoga class? These specific interests and experiences are mapped out in user stories.
A user story for a yoga class booking app might be something like this: “As a fitness-minded user, I want to browse yoga studios near me, view class schedules and instructor profiles, and easily book a spot in the class of my choice.”
Develop user stories for important features like booking, browsing, and filtering to make sure your prototype offers a smooth, easy-to-use interface that emulates interactions with the app in the real world.
Step 4: Adding Polish–Mockups and Interactive Prototypes
Once you’re happy with the core structure of your prototype, you can elevate its visual appeal. This is where mockups come in.
Mockups are more visually appealing representations of your app screens, incorporating fonts, colors, and basic design elements that reflect your app’s overall look and feel.
For an interactive prototype that allows users to click through different screens and test functionalities, consider using online prototyping tools like InVision or Proto.io.
These tools allow you to link screens together and simulate basic interactions, creating a more realistic user experience for those testing your prototype.
Step 5: Feedback is King: Gather Insights and Iterate
The magic of prototyping lies in the power of user feedback. Share your prototype with potential users, colleagues, or anyone who might fit your target audience.
Ask them to navigate through the app and complete specific tasks. Observe their behavior, listen to their feedback, and identify any areas for improvement.
The goal is to iterate—make changes and refine your prototype based on the valuable insights received. Remember, a prototype is a living document, not a finished product.
The beauty lies in its flexibility. Be open to adapting your ideas based on user feedback. This iterative process will help you develop a stronger, more user-friendly app in the long run.
The Wrap-Up
During the prototyping phase, hold on to the “test, refine, repeat” motto. You have the opportunity to ensure your app provides a seamless and easy-to-use experience for users by collecting feedback from them and making design revisions.
Prototyping helps with this user-centric approach, which is essential to creating an app that will be successful in the long run.
