How to Create & Share Interactive Prototypes
Learn how to create interactive prototypes and share them with stakeholders. Covers tools, best practices, and hosting options.
Interactive prototypes let you test ideas before writing code. They simulate the user experience of an app or website so stakeholders can click through screens, see transitions, and give feedback on something that feels real.
Popular Prototyping Tools
- Figma — Browser-based design tool with built-in prototyping. Link frames together, add transitions, and share a prototype URL.
- Adobe XD — Desktop and web tool with auto-animate features for smooth transitions between screens.
- InVision — Upload static screens and add hotspots to create clickable prototypes.
- Framer — Code-backed prototyping with real components and interactions.
- ProtoPie — Advanced interaction prototyping with sensor-based triggers and conditional logic.
Steps to Create a Prototype
- Define the user flow. Map out the screens and the paths users will take. Focus on the primary task you want to test.
- Design the screens. Create each screen in your design tool. Use realistic content instead of placeholder text where possible.
- Add interactions. Link screens together with click targets and transitions. Define what happens on tap, hover, and swipe.
- Test internally. Walk through the prototype yourself and with teammates. Fix broken links and confusing flows before sharing externally.
Sharing Prototypes
Most design tools generate a shareable link, but sometimes you need more control over how prototypes are distributed.
If you have exported your prototype as HTML files (common with Framer, Axure, and other tools), you can upload the files to Linkyhost to host them with a clean URL. This gives you options like password protection for confidential projects and view tracking to see when stakeholders have reviewed the prototype.
For static mockups or design documents, you can share a PDF of your designs or create a portfolio link to present multiple screens together.
Tips for Better Prototypes
Keep prototypes focused on the specific flow you are testing. Avoid prototyping an entire application when you only need to validate one feature. Use realistic data, set correct device frames, and include loading states and error states to make the experience feel genuine.