In today's world, mobile applications play a crucial role in our daily lives. They are used not only for shopping in e-shops( Dr. Max) but also for navigation (Waze), financial management (Revolut), language learning (Duolingo), health tracking (Fitbit), and even communication and work (Teams). The possibilities are nearly endless. Many companies and projects already have their own app, and those who don’t often plan to develop one.

But how can a client determine if their idea is the right one—if it looks good and functions well? This is where prototypes come in—early versions of applications that can be displayed directly on a mobile device, a kind of draft that helps bring ideas closer to reality.

How does prototyping work in practice, and what advantages does it bring to mobile app development? We discussed this with Marek Kodr, Project Manager and Android Developer at Quanti.

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Why did your team start prototyping? What led you to it?

When we start working with clients, we discuss what they actually want—what kind of app, for whom, how it should look, and what it should do. Most clients have a vision of the final result. They might want to catch up with the competition, increase revenue, or introduce a new product. However, clients rarely have the entire idea fully detailed, which is completely normal. Prototyping has proven to be an excellent way to visualize ideas and align expectations among all involved parties—clients, designers, and developers.

How does the prototyping process work?

First, we determine what materials the client already has—sometimes they have graphic designs, and sometimes just a general idea. If nothing is available, we start with market and competitor analysis. Then we focus on designing the key functions and basic visuals. The prototype typically includes only the app’s main use case, which the client can interact with and test. This helps quickly validate ideas and detect potential issues early on.

Do you always create prototypes, or are there cases where you take a different approach?

It depends on the client, their technical knowledge, and level of preparation. Sometimes clients come with prepared materials—graphic designs or well-defined use cases. In such cases, prototyping may be less necessary. However, we often work with clients who only have an idea and need to refine it. Because our team includes both UX/UI specialists and developers, we can assist not just with design but also with the overall app concept.

Is prototyping more beneficial for clients who don’t yet have an app?

Yes, it makes more sense for clients who have a vision but are unsure about the details.

If someone already has an app and knows exactly how they want to expand it, prototyping might be an extra step. On the other hand, it can still be useful—for example, in major redesigns or when validating new features.

What are the most common client reactions to prototypes?

Mostly very positive. Clients often expect just basic sketches or wireframes, and when they see that the prototype already includes their branding and real design, they are pleasantly surprised. It helps them better visualize the app and make more informed decisions about its development.

Can you give examples of projects where prototyping significantly changed the original plan?

Yes, for example, in the Forendors project, we realized through prototyping that some of the planned features were not as crucial as initially thought. Instead, we focused on key aspects that truly added value for users.

Similarly, in the Fireport project, the prototype helped the client better plan the long-term development of their application.

Besides saving time and money, what other advantages does prototyping offer?

A major advantage is clearer communication between the client and the development team. Instead of vague descriptions like “we want something simple and modern,” the client has a visual reference to go back to. This minimizes misunderstandings and reduces the number of revisions.

Prototyping is a powerful tool that simplifies the entire mobile app development process. Whether it's a startup looking to validate its idea or an established company planning a new product, prototypes help prevent mistakes, save time and costs, and ensure a better user experience from the very beginning.

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