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Prototyping is crucial for every software engineer, UX/UI Designers, and every client who hopes to see the design process be as successful, productive, and collaborative as possible. The graphic designers need to have every piece of equipment and elements in place to construct their prototype. If you are new to the prototyping phenomenon, we will give your insight into what it actually means.
What Is A Prototype?
To be specific, the word prototype stems from the Greek language, which means “primitive form.” It is basically an early model, version, or sample of a product. It distinguishes itself from the final product design in terms of materials, manufacturing process, and innovation.
A graphic designer can have as many ideas as he wants to pertain to the product’s idea. He can assemble a team together and lay out his business plans. But all these efforts will prove to be fruitless if the client does not approve the idea. This will deter your project endeavors and demotivate you from pursuing the project.
You must be aware of what your client expects from you in terms of both the product and its features. This is where the process of prototyping presents itself as a solution. You must showcase your initial product or prototype to your client and gain his thumbs up to know that you are on the right path. This way, you can save time, money, and resources from developing a product that may not meet the client’s satisfaction criteria. Your client’s early feedback will enlighten you on the changes and modifications that need to be made in the product.
Prototypes Attract More Investors
Graphic Designers can approach their would-be investors and present their prototypes to distinguish themselves from their competitors. Doing so will allow the investors to see you in a new light as a serious contender who means business. Your investors will see you as an inventive and imaginative designer who can create even more exciting ideas.
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If you showcase your prototype model to different clients, you are more likely to gain numerous investors instead of one. Investors are looking for a graphic designer with a purpose and ambitious goals. Nothing is more ambitious than designing early versions of your product that will catch your investors’ attention. Once the product begins to receive revenue, it will continue to thrive.
Prototypes Provide Quick Solutions
Prototype accelerates the pace of the design process and the generation of solutions. The best part about prototyping is that it is a version of the real thing. This means that you can develop more than one prototype and show it to the client until he can make a decision as to whether he wants it made into the final product. A prototype does not have to be limited to just one version. You can make other samples as well. The production of the final product becomes more creative and contributes to a fast-tracked innovation process.
Enhances Your Creative Abilities
An idea initiates the creative process. You can brainstorm and come up with different ideas to quicken your prototyping journey. If you keep in mind that your prototype is just a sample of the final product, you can naturally take every stage of the prototyping process seriously. The more ideas you create, the more you will understand your own potential and capabilities as a graphic designer. This will enhance your experience and solidify your track record in developing other prototypes. Prototyping is not an easy process, but it is a necessary one. You can make an observation of your own abilities and unlock your potential as an innovative individual. Prototyping is a self-rewarding process both financially and mentally.
Enhanced Communication with The Client
A prototype of a product does not necessarily need to be complete. As a matter of fact, it is quite normal for prototypes to be incomplete. The moment you display it to your client will immediately respond to whether to continue or abandon the project altogether. This will establish a positive and optimistic relationship between you and your client. The client will develop more faith and trust in your abilities. The dialogue you share with your client determines how much he will entertain your prototype. If he likes your communicative mind frame, he will approve of your prototype much faster.
Saves Time and Money
That should be obvious. A graphic designer already has limited resources and a deadline to meet. If he creates the entire final product and delivers it to the client, there is a good chance that the client will reject it. If that occurs, then you are vulnerable to severe losses. A prototype’s very purpose is to help you avoid that fate. You can avoid this problem once you have the early sample at your disposal.
Reduces Risks and Boosts Confidence
The primary objective of a prototype is to see you succeed. You are already prone to a myriad of risks and losses concerning the designing process itself. Your client’s first input will save you the trouble of moving the prototype to its production phase. The requests for changes or modifications can give you the confidence boost you need to enhance your product prototype. You will know that you’re on the right track and can always discontinue if the client is not impressed. A confident graphic designer has trust in his instincts, which is the only way to perfect his model.
Prototyping is a process that involves a lot of risks and disappointments. But it also requires enthusiasm and optimism depending on the client’s approval. You need to brace yourself for whatever feedback the client gives you and not lose heart if he rejects it. Rejection is a brutal reality of the graphic design industry. Just accept your client’s input and proceed to a better prototype.
Author Bio:
Tabish Khalid works as the Digital Marketing Manager for Designster. He develops and implements digital strategies for Designster, along with aligning business goals with digital marketing activities. He actively contributes articles related to digital and content marketing.
