Building an app prototype: from sketch to clickable product
An app prototype makes your idea tangible before a single line of production code is written. You see the screens, click through the flow and test with real users, so you invest in a concept that works, not in an assumption.
Why build an app prototype first
Many app projects falter during the build phase because it only becomes clear then that the user flow doesn't work, the screen is too busy or a crucial feature is missing. A prototype prevents this.
Reducing risk
With a clickable prototype, you test assumptions early. Feedback from users and stakeholders leads to design decisions grounded in evidence rather than gut feeling. The result: less rework during the build and lower project risk.
Convincing investors
An interactive prototype speaks louder than a pitch deck. Investors, board members or a grant provider want to see how the app feels. A high-fidelity prototype makes your vision concrete and credible, without your having to build a full product yet.
Preventing scope creep
Once all screens, flows and edge cases are visually worked out, the whole team shares the same picture. Developers know what to build, designers know where to consider variations, and the product owner can prioritise features based on what is actually on the page.
The types of prototypes we create
From a quick wireframe sketch to a high-fidelity prototype that is nearly indistinguishable from the real app. We choose the level that suits your goal.
Low-fidelity wireframes
Grey blocks, simple labels and arrows that show the navigation structure. Ideal for the very first exploration: does the information architecture work? Is the flow logical? We deliver wireframes in Figma so you can annotate and give feedback straight away.
Clickable mid-fidelity prototype
Screens with real content blocks, typography and icons, but not yet the final design. You click through the key user flows (onboarding, ordering, checkout) and experience the navigation. This level is the most commonly used starting point for user testing.
High-fidelity interactive prototype
Pixel-perfect screens with micro-interactions, animations and real data. So realistic that test participants forget they are not using a live app. We build this in Figma or Framer, depending on how complex the required interactions are.
Coded prototype (lightweight MVP)
Sometimes a clickable design is not enough. When you want to show real-time data, forms with validation or an API integration, we build a code prototype in React or Flutter. This is not throwaway code: the components can be reused in the finished product.
Our prototyping process in five steps
Each step delivers a concrete result. You approve each step before we move on, so there are no surprises.
Discovery and scope
Together we map out the target audience, core flows and business goals. The result is a scope document with a sitemap, user stories and a list of the screens to be prototyped.
Wireframing
Based on the scope, we sketch out the screen structures. You see the navigation, hierarchy and content layout, still without visual design, so the focus is entirely on the flow.
Visual design
We translate wireframes into a visual design that follows your brand guidelines. Typography, colour, icons and photography come together in a design system that scales to the final app.
Building an interactive prototype
All screens are linked together into a clickable prototype. Animations, transitions and micro-interactions make the product feel lifelike. We use Figma, Framer or ProtoPie, depending on your situation.
User testing and handoff
We organise tests with your target audience (remote or in person), process the findings and deliver a final prototype. Developers receive a design handoff with specs, assets and component documentation.
When is a prototype worthwhile, and when is it not?
A prototype is worthwhile if…
you want to validate a new concept before building it. Or when stakeholders have differing expectations and you need alignment. For grant applications (WBSO, MIT, Eurostars), an interactive prototype is often the proof that your plan is technically feasible.
Skip it if…
you are developing an existing product where the design is already in place and only new features are needed. Or when it concerns standard CRUD screens without complex interactions. In those cases, we move straight to development with a one-day design sprint.
Test your idea first: a working prototype in 1 day
With OneDayBuild, we turn your idea into something tangible in one day for €1,150, so you can see whether further development is worth the investment. Decide to go ahead with the full build? Then we credit the full cost.
Explore OneDayBuild →Tooling we use
We choose tooling based on your situation, not on trends. Below are the platforms we use most often for digital prototyping.
Design and prototyping
Figma is our standard for UI design and clickable prototypes. For complex animations and variables, we use Framer. We deploy ProtoPie when sensor input (gyroscope, camera) forms part of the interaction.
User testing
Maze for unmoderated remote tests with task analysis and heatmaps. Lookback or UserTesting for moderated sessions with video recording. Hotjar for on-site behavioural analysis once the prototype is live as coded version.
Handoff and collaboration
Figma Dev Mode for direct design-to-code specs. Storybook when we deliver a coded component library. Notion or Linear for asynchronous feedback and decision-making throughout the project.
Who we build prototypes for
Every prototype is different. Below are four common scenarios from our practice.
Start-up with a new concept
You have an idea and want to know whether the market is waiting for it. We build a clickable MVP prototype that you can use to interview users, convince investors and support a grant application. Typical turnaround: two to three weeks.
Enterprise internal tool
Complex workflow, many stakeholders, little UX focus so far. We prototype the three most important flows (intake, processing, reporting), test internally with end users and deliver a design system that the development team can translate into code.
E-commerce conversion optimisation
Your current checkout converts below par. We design and prototype three variants of the checkout flow and A/B test them with your target audience. The winning variant goes into production, including Figma handoff and component specs.
Healthcare, fintech or compliance app
In sectors with strict regulations (NEN 7510, PSD2, GDPR), a prototype is the ideal moment to test compliance requirements visually. We work with your legal or security team so that the prototype already takes into account requirements that would otherwise only surface during build.
Frequently asked questions about app prototyping
What exactly is an app prototype?
An app prototype is an interactive simulation of your future app. You click through screens, fill in forms and experience the navigation, without any production code behind it. The aim is to validate, not to build.
How long does it take to create a prototype?
A low-fidelity wireframe set is ready within a week. A high-fidelity interactive prototype with user testing typically takes two to four weeks, depending on the number of screens and the complexity of the flows.
How much does an app prototype cost?
The investment depends on the fidelity level and the number of screens. A compact clickable prototype starts from around €5,000; an extensive high-fidelity prototype with user testing and a design system typically falls between €10,000 and €20,000. We always provide a fixed price estimate upfront.
Can the prototype later be developed further into a real app?
Yes. A design prototype (Figma/Framer) provides the visual specs and assets that developers can use straight away. With a coded prototype (React/Flutter), the components can be reused in the final product.
Do you also test the prototype with real users?
That is a standard part of our process. We organise remote or live usability tests, incorporate the findings into a report and adjust the prototype accordingly. This way, you can be sure the design has been validated before development begins.
Which tools do you use for prototyping?
Figma is our standard for UI design and clickable prototypes. For complex interactions, we use Framer or ProtoPie. We conduct user testing with Maze (unmoderated) or Lookback (moderated). For coded prototypes, we work with React or Flutter.
Ready to bring your idea to life?
Tell us about your concept. We will let you know which type of prototype suits you, what it will cost and how quickly you can test it with real users.
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