This is how I built a working conceptual prototype for my app in less than a week

Photo credit: Firmbee.

When I came up with an idea for my app, I knew no one was going to take me seriously unless I showed it to them. I also wanted to work through the concept myself to give more context to it.

But getting people to take me seriously wasn’t my concern. I cared less about explaining my idea because, in reality, my plan was complex. I was also looking for a partner since I’m not a developer by profession. But I needed to have a prototype first before I could search for a mobile developer.

My only option was to design a working conceptual prototype, which I had never done before, so I tasked myself with completing the project in less than a week. I began my research and got ready to grind.

Hacking my way to a prototype

Having no experience in design or development, I realized I was going to have to hack my way to a prototype. If you don’t have the technical know-how to accomplish something, sometimes the best thing to do is to just get scrappy, learn what you need to, and put together something awesome.

I began by looking for the simplest app prototype builder and discovered InVision. It helps you transform your web and mobile (iOS and Android) designs into clickable, interactive prototypes and mock-ups.

It is as simple as importing some screenshot designs and then adding overlay buttons to perform actions. But for me, it was as simple as, “If they click a spot, then they will go to app design [x].”

After playing around the builder for a while, I realized it would be a breeze to create my prototype with InVision. Now all I needed were the screenshots.

Dang Fiverr, you got it going on

I have heard too many people take shots at Fiverr. While you are never going to get top-of-the-line quality from the site, it’s solid. If you use it for the right projects, it can be a lifesaver!

By searching for app designs, I found a ton of reasonably-priced sellers who were willing to work with me. After sorting and corresponding with a few prospects, I settled on one I wanted to work with.

We negotiated and they agreed to design 10 app screens in less than five days with unlimited revisions for US$50. It was a no-brainer for me! I had all of the specs I wanted to be designed already and sent them over. After some revisions and adjustments, the total time to get the final designs was five days.

I still had two days left to turn the designs into a functioning prototype.

This is too easy.

I can’t say enough about InVision. They make it beyond simple to plug in screenshots and create anything you want, which is exactly what I did.

With a little elbow grease, I was able to make my app look and feel just like I wanted it to. It also helped me lay the groundwork for things I wanted to do with the app by giving me a clear understanding of how every feature would look and feel.

The finished prototype