subject: The Importance Of Doing Website Prototyping [print this page] There are many tools that help a person build and visualize the website he or she is about to create. Sitemap is a tool that will be able to present the navigation structure of a website. The wireframes will show the design of the site. However, both tools do not show how the website will actually work. This is where prototyping comes in handy.
Design or the appearance of the website is not the main concern of those creating a prototype. Prototyping is more focused on the functionality, structure and content. Before, this technique is not used since most sites are only static in nature. Now, more and more websites are using dynamic format where interaction with the viewers are encouraged. For this reason, the website creation and function should be carefully planned and executed.
As stated earlier, functionality is one focus of prototyping. This cannot be done by any other means such as wireframes, papers and even mock ups. You can easily stimulate clicks, wrong password, filling up of forms and other incorporated experiences found in the website. By creating a prototype, you can pinpoint the mistakes and make the necessary corrections.
Another web prototyping focus is the structure. It has to do with the organization of the elements inside the web pages. It takes care of the shapes and sizes of the objects on the page. A website should look polished and should flow smoothly as viewed by the visitors. Structure also involves categorization. Simple sites can get by with text files and card sorting while the more complex ones use simulation.
In web prototyping, pass out the end result in a black and white format first so that the contents get all the focus. After the clients are satisfied with the contents, you can then move on to the images. Remember that contents are as important, if not more critical, as the design of the website.
It is also important to note that technical functions should be the one discussed first during web prototyping. Changes in plans along the way can lead to software bugs during the coding stage. Discussing the technical functions will also reduce the production period.
