How do we communicate with others the ideas we have, convince them and begin taking the steps to make them a reality? Well if we intend to pursue them we start off by sketching and jotting down our thoughts. But what do we do next? How can you go from ink on paper to obtaining funding, app development and eventually having the app in the hands of the intended users?
Prototyping.
While it used to only be possible to communicate our ideas with a paper sketch, with the development of the internet in recent years, entrepreneurs have more tools than ever before. These can range from letting users create still image mockups to responsive designs that can be tested and experienced… allowing anyone to create without needing to know a single line of code. Other tools like InVision allow for CSS code to be generated allowing developers to easily take your prototype and turn it into a developed app. Additional features include integrated user testing features, sliding and interactive elements and web access. These tools available permit entrepreneurs to get real feedback while creating to be sure what they are making is what the market wants and that developers can create it for you as you envision it.
Prototyping is extremely helpful for entrepreneurs who may not have a full understanding of software development to explain their ideas with a visual example. It is essential to innovation in the digital age we live in.
Thanks for sharing. Prototyping is a great way to share a vision with others. This takes thoughts and puts them into a tangible form, which allows us to then user test and move forward editing and pursuing these ideas. This is absolutely crucial when innovating via apps.
Cam- this most was very relevant especially in light of the prototyping we just did for class. The mock-up was so important to our group and we made major changes to our final prototype that evolved from our original drawing. Skipping the steps when doing this type of exercise can really hurt the final project- that’s my take away :)