Why developers should use rapid prototyping tools

Architects and software developers have a lot in common. Both must listen to client requirements, attempt to understand their vision, and then use their expertise to translate this into a feasible and functional structure (and hopefully one which looks attractive too!). Once approved, they work with project teams to bring this vision to life.

 

Besides the act of building, architects and developers will recognize a lot of the stress points and frustrations their professions have in common too. From restrictive budgets to demanding customers to watching their original designs becoming watered down and even unrecognizable, it can end up being a rather drawn-out process.

 

Now, imagine an architect gets commissions to build a new shopping mall. An inexperienced architect will speak to their clients, get a rough idea of what they need and then spend weeks preparing a high fidelity blueprint. The client, knowing little about architecture, is instantly impressed and gives our architect the ‘go-ahead’. However, a few months into the project the client suddenly realizes they forgot to tell the architect about a crucial requirement of the building. This results in a lengthy and costly redesign and the final building feels disorganized and deadlines are missed.

 

A good architect, on the other hand, will work much closer with the client, drawing up blueprints together and ironing out issues in advance. Any serious developer will also have a similar approach to their work. Rapid prototyping should be used in any serious project, and in today’s post we’ll look at how it can help you avoid ending up in a similar situation to our first architect above.

 

What is rapid prototyping?

 

Rapid prototyping offers a fast and effective method of exploring User Experience in the design process. It doesn’t cover one specific activity, but can include a range of methods - from storyboarding to wire framing to simple pen and paper designs. What all these processes share in common is that they are iterative. Developers can explore design ideas with clients, with the ability to make continuous adjustments and improvements throughout the development process.

 

The key to rapid prototyping is in its iterative nature. Prototypes let designers and developers refine and improve ideas with clients. By letting clients see how the prototype is evolving, major design errors can be easily avoided; the client is far more likely to spot if something is missing or not quite right when you are constantly communicating ideas with them throughout the process.

 

Indigo Studio offers a complete kit for developers to produce rapid prototypes - from the most basic wireframes to high fidelity designs and user navigation - and don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself!

 

So, why should you use rapid prototypes?

 

Rapid prototypes offer developers a big range of benefits. If you’re not already using them in your work, consider some of the following advantages:

 

1. Avoid miscommunication

 

A major cause of development project failure is a lack of communication between the client and developer. Clients can be frustrating to work with; they change their minds, they don’t express what they want clearly or they have unrealistic ideas about what can be done with the available budget. Rapid prototypes allow you to express ideas throughout the project, giving you a more realistic idea of what can be accomplished and avoiding these misunderstandings.

 

2. Save on costs

 

Rapid prototyping can help you make considerable savings on projects. Jakob Nielsen of the Norman Nielsen Group - industry experts in UX - estimates the cost savings as such: “The most common estimate is that it is 100 times cheaper to make a change before any code has been written than it is to wait until after the implementation is complete”.

 

3. Respond to today's rapidly changing market

 

In today’s app market, competition is incredibly fierce. The app stores (and the Internet more generally) are flooded with competition. Not only should your app be produced quickly and cheaply, it also needs to be slick, seamless and help users do exactly what they want with no hitches. Rapid prototyping means you’re more likely to get your app right the first time, and therefore produce something that goes viral.

 

4. Work is about relationships

 

Communicating with your clients, staying on top of the market, explaining your ideas and bringing them into the design process are all crucial elements in building relationships. If clients can trust you and understand how the project is developing, you’re more likely to forge a long lasting partnership.

 

Great apps happen by design

 

At Infragistics we know that great apps happen by design, and our rapid prototyping tools help you build the best apps first time around. With a strong community and support for any issue, Indigo Studios cuts out the risks related to development and puts the confidence you need behind your designs. And what’s more, you can get started right now with your 30-day free trial!