Fun with Interactive Mockups
Interactive mockups are a quick, easy way to show potential clients a prototype of their new site. As a web designer I enjoy the flexibility of being able to create a quick rendering for a client. This in turn gives them something tangible to visualize and will usually get their “creative juices” flowing.
Talking about a site is one thing, but actually framing it out on a page allows designers to discover possible design setbacks before it’s too late. I’d rather encounter these difficulties on the drawing board. At least there it’s much easier to correct a problem.
Also, things needed for a website to function properly are sometimes forgotten about on a first draft. For example, every site should have footer, but was one included for navigation purposes? Oops.
Or perhaps that interactive flash site is a good idea for most people, but what about the visitors who have Flash (or JavaScript) disabled on their browsers? Or better yet what about the small percentage of people who still cling to their dialup access? These folks need an HTML version of your site. As do the major search engines. They need actual content to search. Looks like it’s time to go back to the drawing board!
These are just a few of the reasons why I create interactive mockups. I get to have fun creating and visualizing a site. I also get to discover problems early in the design process. Finally, the client gets to “see it” before he/she buys it.
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I wholeheartedly agree that site mock-ups are a must. My biggest (and I suspect most other project managers) biggest issue revolves around scope creep during the client testing and approval phase. Comments like "wouldn't it be great if it could do this…." or "I thought it was doing to do this…" drive me and my developers’ nuts.
Currently I am using PowerPoint to mock up pages and to show web flows. And while this approach has greatly decreased the request for scope changes, I keep thinking there has to be a better way to mock up pages and demonstrate site functionality. What apps are other folks using, and what kind of skill sets do you need to use those apps?
I've setup a preview area on my site so that clients can go there and interact with their site just like it was live. It helps me share with the daily progress with a client, which in turn, allows the client to interact with me while I build the site. In my past experience as a computer programming I was all too familiar with the term "feature creep." Early on I ask potential clients what they want from their site. Sticking to this idea helps to keep the focus on the original intent of the site. I think there's nothing wrong with implementing new site features in future stages. I suggest creating an outline early on with the client. Once they've signed off on the core concepts of the site you're free to focus on site design.
Pen, Paper and whiteboard
Old school design at its best!
i found a site today that lets you make interactive mockups– it's called mockingbird. I haven't used it yet though.
Thanks for the tip!