What is a clickable prototype and how to create it?

A prototype is the work product of the prototyping phase of the interface design process. It is a model of the final interface under design. As a simulation of the end product, it is used for user testing to identify pain points and improvements earlier in the design process.

Clickable prototype

A clickable prototype is an interactive representation of the interface design. It is not the final design or product. It is different from design wireframes because it is not static. The person using a clickable prototype can perform all interactive operations, such as navigating the interface.

How is a clickable prototype used?

A clickable prototype is extremely useful in the interface design process for the following reasons:

• Clickable prototypes are helpful in the design process because they help test critical features. Changes in these features can be expensive to implement later in the development process. Therefore, finalizing a prototype is convenient, and then moving on to the development phase.

• A clickable prototype is more valuable than static wireframes because users can navigate it just like the end product. This is highly beneficial in usability testing as the prototype can be tested regarding user experience, and changes can be proposed.

Tools to create a clickable prototype

A clickable prototype can be created using a prototyping tool. There are many free and paid software available for creating a clickable prototype. Some of the popular ones include the following:

• Figma

• Adobe XD

• Microsoft Powerpoint

• InVision

• Proto.io

• UX Pin

Each tool has a way of implementing a prototype. Let’s look at the method for creating a clickable prototype using Figma.

How to create a clickable prototype using Figma

You can create a clickable prototype in Figma using the following steps:

1. Create your screen designs in the “Design” tab. You can select the tab from the top of the right column.

2. Switch to the “Prototype” tab from the top-right column.

3. Select the clickable element on which you want to introduce an action. It can be a button, image, text, or another element.

4. Drag the “+” sign in the circle on the element. A line will be drawn along it. Connect that line to the page you want to switch to on action.

5. Click on the line which connects the element and the screen. Some prototyping options will be displayed, as shown in the image below.

6. You can set the action, destination, and other settings from this menu.

7. After setting all the actions, you can present your clickable prototype from the top right. It will look and feel just like the end product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, clickable prototypes are essential for the design process, allowing designers to test and refine user interfaces before development begins. They provide a dynamic, interactive experience that offers valuable insights into user interactions and usability. Using tools like Figma, designers can easily create clickable prototypes to simulate real product experiences, helping identify potential issues early and improve the final design. This proactive approach ultimately leads to more efficient and effective product development.