Web design prototype: what is it?

Print anything with Printful



A web design prototype is a mockup of a website’s layout, content, and functions created early in the development process. It can be created using software programs and can help production teams build a site to a desired specification. The purpose is to evaluate how people perceive it and user feedback can determine changes needed.

A web design prototype is typically a mockup of a website’s layout, content, and functions produced early in the development process. There is also usually a sitemap, which can define how you will navigate from page to page. Hypertext Programming Language (HTML) is often used to add graphics and other elements; the placement of these graphic elements, as well as buttons, frames and other elements of a web page, can be represented as web design sketches. These often help production teams build a site to a desired specification.

There usually needs to be just enough function in a web design prototype to present its purpose in a meeting. The graphics and main colors as well as product details and company information can be positioned accordingly. Designers and managers, or other business decision makers, may correspond on site capabilities and layout. When working in prototype manufacturing, you are often required to have programming, graphic design, and other relevant work experience.

Software programs are often available specifically for prototyping a web design. Some allow the use of HTML and other design languages. Some programs can help design user interfaces or build site layout using a drag-and-drop format. In some programs, the elements of each web page are sketched out in a wireframe format, while the functions of each part of the site can be documented within a file.

When a draft is complete, a web design prototype is often saved in common file types or printed on paper for teams to review. Change requests can then be made without altering the original file before it is needed. Prototype design is usually followed by development of other parts of the site. Basic design elements, graphics and colors are often approved before any section of the website is in place; interactive content and features can be added later.

The purpose of a web design prototype can therefore focus on evaluating how people perceive it. For this, the best way is often to find test subjects to test the site. By asking questions about the company’s products, management, and partners, as well as the time it takes to download files to the test subject’s computer, it can usually be determined whether the site is functioning as intended. User feedback usually provides an understanding of the changes needed, which can range from adding more content to reshaping the site’s navigation scheme.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content