What is a mockup

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What is a mockup

You can use a mockup to organize the vision of your site and to optimize its ergonomics before even starting the development phase. Several steps lead to the mockup, then to the functional prototype. This is used to develop a site from scratch, either by giving it to a developer or developing it yourself. It is also possible to search for pre-made themes and compare them to the mockup you have created. Here are some pointers on what a mockup is and how to consider it in your SEO strategy.

There are different kinds

There are different types of mockups, including paper versions called “concept mockups.”  However, the most commonly used version is the digital mockup. Unlike prototypes, mockups are generally created by designers, not developers. It is a mission entrusted to the web designer, the UX/UI designer, or the interaction designer, in collaboration with the ergonomist. Making mockups means having visual tools that can be shared and modified. These representations can be more or less detailed, depending on the product and the objectives.

Some advantages

The mock-up has several elements that you can play with to create a visual. You store each element where you want it, such as text areas, image areas, or action buttons and interactive elements. You can find dozens of free mock-ups to download on the web. However, if you want to obtain an efficient and unique result, it is useful to call upon a specialized agency.

Good feedback

Mockups also give you the opportunity to get valuable feedback from clients and stakeholders before the coding stage begins. Presenting a clickable website or blog mockup that displays high-quality visuals is a great way to convince your client that your design approach is right for their product and matches their brand values.

Which mockup software to choose?

There are several ways to create a mockup. First of all, you can rely on the Adobe suite, either with Photoshop or Illustrator, to create a wireframe. However, if you don’t want to invest in the American giant’s suite, there are online alternatives that require much fewer technical skills.

When mastering what a mockup is, remember: several mockups are designed as the project evolves towards a final product. Among these intermediate models, the Mockup facilitates collaborative work and communication with clients.