Concept 11: Prototype
Prototype :art:
:dart: What We'll Learn Today
Today's super exciting lesson is all about prototypes! You'll discover:
- What a prototype is and why it's like a "rough draft" for apps :iphone:
- How to create amazing prototypes step-by-step
- The magic of paper prototyping (yes, you'll draw your apps!) :pencil2:
- The difference between simple sketches and detailed drawings
Video Time! :emoji:
Let's Get Started! :rocket:
What's a Prototype? :emoji:
Definition: A prototype is like a first try or practice version of something you want to build!
Think of it as a test model before making the real thing - just like drawing a picture before painting it!
:bulb: Did you know? :star2:
Famous apps like Instagram and Snapchat started as simple paper drawings before becoming the apps millions use today!
Why Do We Make Prototypes? :dart:
Making prototypes is super smart because:
- You can test lots of cool ideas quickly! :bulb:
- You don't waste time building something that might not work
- It's like a practice run before the big game! :runner::emoji:️
:information_source: Remember! We ALWAYS make a prototype before building our real app because it helps us:
- Understand what we're building better :emoji:
- Explore different ways to solve problems :mag:
- Show our ideas to friends and family :emoji::emoji::emoji::emoji:
- Test and make our app even better! :sparkles:
The 4-Step Prototype Recipe! :emoji:
Creating a prototype is like following a recipe - just follow these easy steps:
Step One: Figure Out What You Need :memo:
Think about what your app should do. What problems will it solve?
Step 2: Create Your First Try :art:
Draw or build your first version - it doesn't have to be perfect!
Step 3: Show It to Others :emoji:
Let friends and family see your prototype and tell you what they think!
Step 4: Make It Even Better! :star2:
Use the feedback to improve your prototype - just like editing a story!
:bulb: Pro Tip! :bulb:
Don't worry if your first prototype isn't perfect. Even professional app developers make lots of changes!
Paper Prototyping - Draw Your Dreams! :pencil2:
Guess what? You don't need a computer to design an app! You can start with just paper and pencil!
What's Paper Prototyping? :page_facing_up:
Paper prototyping is the super fun way to draw and test your app ideas using just paper!
Why paper prototyping is AWESOME:
- It's fast and easy - just grab a pencil! :pencil2:
- You can change things quickly by erasing or drawing new pages
- Everyone can do it - no special skills needed!
- It's perfect for sharing ideas with friends
:information_source: Remember! Even big tech companies like Google and Apple use paper prototypes to design their apps! You're learning what the pros do! :dart:
When Should You Use Paper Prototypes? :emoji:
Paper prototypes are perfect when you want to:
- See your ideas come to life :emoji:️ - Turn thoughts into drawings!
- Plan how your app works :emoji:️ - Like making a map of your app
- Try different designs :art: - Test which layout looks best
- Show the app's skeleton :emoji: - The basic shape before adding details
:bulb: Fun Activity! :dart:
Try drawing your favorite app on paper right now! Can you sketch Instagram or YouTube? It's harder than it looks!
Two Types of Paper Prototypes :art:
Just like drawings, prototypes can be simple or fancy! Let's learn about both:
One. Low Fidelity Sketches (Simple Drawings) :pencil2:
Low fidelity sketches are quick and simple drawings - like stick figures!
When to use them:
- When you're brainstorming new ideas :emoji:
- When talking with your team about what to build
- When you want to sketch ideas FAST!
Look how simple these sketches are - you can totally do this!
2. High Fidelity Sketches (Fancy Drawings) :art:
High fidelity sketches are detailed drawings with colors, shapes, and even pretend photos!
When to use them:
- When showing your app to other people :emoji:
- When you want to see how the real app might look
- When adding final touches like colors and buttons
Wow! These look almost like real apps!
:information_source: Remember! Start with low fidelity (simple) sketches, then make them high fidelity (fancy) later. It's like drawing - start with basic shapes, then add details! :emoji:️
You Did It! :star2:
Amazing job learning about prototypes! Now you know:
- :white_check_mark: What prototypes are and why they're important
- :white_check_mark: The 4-step recipe for making prototypes
- :white_check_mark: How to use paper to design apps (so cool!)
- :white_check_mark: The difference between simple and detailed sketches
:bulb: Next Steps! :rocket:
Ready to practice? Grab some paper and try drawing your own app idea! Remember:
- Start simple (low fidelity)
- Show it to someone
- Add more details (high fidelity)
- Keep improving!
You're on your way to becoming an app designer! :tada: