What Is Web Prototyping?

By Author: Paul Zimmer
Total Articles: 9
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An essential element of the web design process, web prototyping is technically a an overview model of a web site, creating a the backbone, called as wireframe, by using just the simple pen and paper to draw simple flow charts of how the web site come and go, or by using prototyping software to collate and produce the overview of a planned site.

On the process of prototyping a web site, static wireframe of the whole site is created, usually in black and white design, with all the major navigation links present to represent the flow within the web site. Web prototypes can show the overview of how the browser will interact and feel with the structure, work flow, content and functionality of the web site.

During prototyping of the web site, browsers can test your site and provide feedbacks. This process is divided into alpha and beta testing. This system allows the developers or designers to make any changes before fully deploying the web site for use, which guarantees the browser for best interaction possible.

Web site prototyping has numerous advantages, ...
... such as attaining easier coordination between the developers, designers and the client involved in the project;, identifying technical flaws during work process, website's overview and projected flow and feel could be easily estimated and be cleaned from error and link dead ends, and make clients to participate actively within the project by total collaboration and suggestion making at the work process.

However, in complex sites, such as social networks and other websites that has complicated hierarchies, basic web prototyping tools will not be enough to handle the interrelationships of links and other elements. Changes will be painstakingly done if not implemented dynamically in the web site prototype. So, using a custom build web prototyping tool tailor-fit for the site will work best.

All in all, web site prototyping saves time, money and effort, which are essential in creating and developing an efficient web site. Changes within the web site are quick, easy, and inexpensive during the prototyping phase of the project, because complex coding is not needed yet at the time being.