An interactive mockup is an interactive, visual representation of a future website or application, serving as the crucial bridge between barebones wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes.
At its core, an interactive mockup takes a static design layout (a traditional mockup) and adds basic functionality to it. Unlike a simple picture, it allows users to click, hover, and navigate through different screens or sections, mimicking the user flow of the final product.
Based on the provided reference:
- They are interactive, visual representations of your future website or application.
- They're the bridge between barebones wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes.
The Role in the Design Process
Interactive mockups play a vital role in the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design process. They evolve from wireframes, which focus purely on structure and layout, by adding visual design elements like colors, typography, and imagery. They then add a layer of interactivity, though typically less complex and polished than a full prototype.
This makes them ideal for:
- Testing user flows early in the design process.
- Gathering feedback on visual design combined with basic navigation.
- Communicating design concepts to stakeholders effectively.
Key Characteristics
- Visual: They include design elements like colors, fonts, images, and branding.
- Interactive: Users can perform simple actions like clicking buttons or links to move between pages.
- Representational: They visually depict the intended look and feel.
- Mid-Fidelity: They are more detailed than wireframes but less functional or polished than prototypes.
Comparing Interactive Mockups
Understanding where interactive mockups fit requires comparing them to other design deliverables:
| Feature | Wireframe | Interactive Mockup | Prototype |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Structure, Layout, Hierarchy | Visual Design + Basic Interaction | Full Interaction, User Flow Test |
| Detail | Low-fidelity (sketch/blueprint) | Mid-fidelity (visuals added) | High-fidelity (close to final product) |
| Interactivity | None or minimal | Basic clicks, navigation | Complex interactions, animations |
| Purpose | Planning structure | Visualizing design, testing basic flow | Testing user experience, usability |
See also: Understanding UX Design Deliverables (Placeholder Link)
Examples of Interactivity
An interactive mockup might allow a user to:
- Click a "Sign Up" button to go to a registration page.
- Click a navigation link in a header to visit another section.
- Hover over an element to see a simple tooltip.
These interactions are usually linear and scripted, focusing on core navigation paths rather than complex functionalities like form submissions or real-time data display.
Interactive mockups are a powerful tool for bridging the gap between static design concepts and fully functional prototypes, allowing for essential testing and feedback loops early in development.
