Prototype

Definition

A clickable model that simulates user flows and states.

Advanced

Can be built in design tools or code to validate navigation, copy, and interactions. Used for usability testing and as a reference for specs and acceptance criteria.

Why it matters

Finds issues early and reduces costly changes after development.

Use cases

• Onboarding flow
• Mobile navigation patterns
• Pricing or calculator interactions

Metrics

• Task completion rate
• Error rate
• Click depth to goal

Issues

• Behaviours that are not technically feasible
• Stakeholders mistaking prototypes for production performance

Example

A Figma prototype of a pricing selector tested with customers before building the component in code.