Prototyping with Axure RP 8

Preferred Methods of Prototyping

The experience of preparing prototypes using Axure RP is not just ostensibly on cloud nine, but it's actually quite user-friendly. Usually, there are two quick methods with which one can prepare a utilitarian prototype. One, with using the shapes & buttons, which are already in the Axure library, and other with putting on zero opacity buttons on pre-designed screens. Now, both of the methods have their own pros and cons, having said that, it actually depends upon the requirements and situations. For example, if somebody wants to present the prototype for well designed and product ready screens, then the latter method would be more preferred, but if one is planning to develop an application from scratch, then the former method would be used.

Preparing Prototypes from scratch

Now, to prepare a prototype using Axure shapes, the shapes needs to be dragged and dropped on the drawing screen. The widgets and shapes needs to arranged as one is planning to, after which the functionalities would be defined using Axure functions. Basically, one can link multiple screens according to flow, and also, one can show/hide things on the same page itself. In order to do that, select a single shape or group of shapes, and convert them into a dynamic panel by right-clicking and selecting "Convert To Dynamic Panel". After that, give a name to the dynamic panel, as you can recognize it.

Now, click on the shape or button after which you want the dynamic panel to appear, and add a "case" & "Show/Hide", which is available on the right side of the screen. In "Show/Hide", select the dynamic panel and any of "Show", "Hide", or "Toggle", and after that select how you wish to make it appear. The "Toggle" function would basically give the dynamic panel, to & fro motion, i.e. first click would show the panel and next click hide it. This logic can be easily used for all widgets, and a well-nurtured prototype can be obtained.

Preparing Prototypes using pre-designed screens

For preparing prototype with pre-designed screens, you can simply link the pages with each other. To do that, drag a button from the library and drop it on the screen position. The link that button with the screen you want to open. Then set button's opacity to zero, after which it won't appear on the screen but its function would remain the same. So, by repeating the same process for every functionality, you'll come up with a satisfying prototype, which you show to the clients.