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Every prototyping tool is different and it is often hard to find out which one is best suited for certain project and teams. This article will look at some of the different functions and aids that different tools offer. These are best suited to some projects and this depends on the function of the prototype that designers are trying to create. Using a prototyping tool for web design With a prototyping tool, or prototyping software, you can create visualizations of apps, website and software. So without programming one single line of code you can define all requirements of the desired widget. One of the advantages for many teams is that without programming, the conceptualization of the application is much faster. This also means that teams can work quickly together and make changes collaboratively, no matter what expertise each team member has. Most of the prototyping tools function with a drag and drop system, which means that the learning curve is very easy. Design aids With many prototyping tools there is a palette with predefined elements that users can drag into their canvas. There are also toolbars where users can carry out functions such as undo, redo, copy and zoom. To order elements while creating an application within a prototyping tool, it is useful to have alignment, distribution and spacing. Alignment means all the picked elements are beaded straight along one line. Distribution and spacing do not mean the same thing. Spacing is when the elements all have the same space between each other. Distribution describes the operation, when all elements are disposed with the same space between their axes. It can also be useful to have grids or a ruler applied in the UI of your prototyping tool. Sometimes you can also customize the editor with floating palettes. Prototyping Software Functions It might not sound important, but the option to duplicate an element can became very useful. You can copy one element and then paste it (basically the same operation is performed then), but while editing a lot of pages every saved click can be save time. For the same reason keyboard shortcuts are very helpful. Such a prototyping tool can be adapted to individual needs. Because of the drag and drop system it’s important to be able to define the ordering of the elements in terms of depth, this function is called Z-ordering. With a more complex mockup it is essential to have the function to lock an element. With this feature you avoid clicking on an element you actually didn’t want to edit. To advance your work, it is also good, to group elements. In some prototyping tools information about the element position and its size in pixel are given. Testing a prototyping tool Before buying a prototyping tool it is good to test it. This might cost a little bit time, but then you can be sure, that it suits your needs. Every prototyping tool has different functions, but more functionality doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. When you only want to create a simple low-fidelity mockup a too complex prototyping tool wouldn’t be the best choice. ================= About the Author: ================= Pidoco.com – User Interface Design, Wireframe, Wireframes, Wireframe Software, UI Prototyping, Interface Design Software, Prototyping Tool, Wireframe Tool, GUI Prototyping, Clickable Wireframes, Usability Testing and Digital Paper Prototyping.
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