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Prototypes are a critical part of the design process for the UI and UX of an app in development. With a good prototype, designers can test their concepts, validate their ideas, and even get a real sense of the user’s development.
But before you use a prototype to bring your ideas to life, what exactly are the types of features that it must include? Here, we give you a quick rundown of the top traits every prototyping tool must have, including yours.
Plenty of Helpful Documentation
When it comes to prototypes that are heavy on features, a helping hand goes a long way. The key is to combine rich functionality with plenty of support, which you can do via tutorials, documentation, comprehensive guides, or actual customer support from you.
Security Features
One of the most important features, yet easily one of the most overlooked, security with encryption should be a top priority for any software you use.
After all, no one wants to get their ideas, or worse, information stolen by others. Examples include the many software programs today that uses 128-bit encryption to secure private information.
Compatibility with Industry-standard File Formats and Programs
Today, there are file formats so universal that not including them takes more work than integrating them. And while you can’t always include everything, your tool should be compatible enough with industry-standard file formats and programs that a user would have no problem switching from one application to another.
When your user has to go through the extra steps of converting a file into another format just because there’s no native option in your prototype that allows it, that already translates to bad UX. But today, it’s a problem that has no reason to exist.
Collaboration and Feedback Features
No man is an island, and the same goes for prototypes or apps in development. What does this mean? This means that your prototype allows itself to be shared with friends, family, beta testers, colleagues, or anyone whose opinion you value.
Of course, you can take this one step further by incorporating digital commentary right inside the app to make sure no comment or suggestion goes unread or buried in your email.
Data-rich A/B Testing
If you’re looking to gather quantitative and qualitative data from your users, then using your prototype to A/B test specific functions, features, and UI design is an excellent way to go.
Not only will this help you get maximum ROI from your work, but it will give you a more accurate sense of how your intended audience will react to your choices and vice versa. Once done, you can then use the data to make the perfect design choice to resonate with your target market.
Conclusion
While the list of must-have features for prototyping tools continues to expand, these essentials should never be missing. If you’re ready, you can check out the Adobe XD Ideas content hub for intuitive prototyping tools that will improve your UX/UI knowledge.
