7 ways to create a prototype on a limited budget – TekRevol

Every business no matter big or small need to keep on evolving in order to stay with the market trends. The world today has digitalized and almost all businesses have a digital presence. Having a website or an app doesn’t only look good, it also attracts the attention of all potential customers which results in lead generation and customer engagement. But creating a custom app may be time-consuming and it will also cost a substantial amount of money. Both time and money are the two things that startups are short of and if invested in the wrong place, it could prove catastrophic for the young business.

To avoid such a situation, entrepreneurs need to go for an application prototype. A startup prototype allows entrepreneurs to examine the pros and cons of an estimated app or project. Building a prototype isn’t cheat either, although it’s not as expensive as the real deal but it can still cost you a pretty penny. Therefore, we’re going to share you 7 ways to create a prototype on a budget.

Self-Fund

One of the most basic ways of creating a prototype on a budget is to self-fund. If you can’t build your prototype with equity then you can always go for a small financial investment from your team members or your close friends. This way, you can get financial assistance and also stay on a tight budget.

Lean Startup method

The next best way to make a prototype on a budget is to follow a particular methodology called the Lean Startup. In this method you test, do less, iterate and drop everything that is useless for the market. The prototype will be tested among your close circle and you can also receive market feedback without practically lifting a single finger.

Creating Mockups

There are many mockup tools which are available so that you can create your prototype mockup designs on them for free. These tools have advanced features that give users functional and real-time web and app experiences. Users can navigate on pages and screens while clicking on different objects. These mockups are easy to build and works great on a low budget.

Do It Yourself

Building a prototype on a tight budget is never easy but if you have all the technical expertise that are required then it is advised to do it yourself. Yes, it will take longer than the usual time because you will be working on it all by yourself but by doing it this way you will be saving a lot of money.

Working on your prototype all by yourself will give a more intimate understanding of your project and it will also go a long way in making innovative improvements and revisions.

Using an Existing Tool

When creating a prototype on a budget, it is important that you avoid buying new tools and make use of the ones that you already have. For example, you can use Google Drive and through it, you can create multiple prototypes. If you are making a mobile app prototype then start by making a basic version which has a functional layout and the basic features. This can be done through Typeform or Google Drive.

Check out freelancing platforms

At times you can’t do everything yourself while creating a prototype but you don’t necessarily have to hire professionals to help you in building your prototype. You can check various freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiver where you can find professional assistance while staying on a budget.

Draw it out before going Photoshop

If you are planning to design an app or a website, it is better to draw it out first on a piece of paper, create screen flows and mock-up screens. This will be easier and less expensive than doing the same on Photoshop and it will only require paper and markers. This will give a rough the idea of your entire project and will also help in building your prototype.

Conclusion

Apps and websites have become the necessity now and if you want your business to have a tomorrow then it is important that you go for a mobile app, but creating a mobile app can be expensive especially if you are on a budget, so by following the above ways, you can easily create a functional prototype while being on a budget.

 Author Bio

Jane Collen is a creative content writer and digital marketer at TekRevol. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing blog writing, video scriptwriting, ghostwriting, copywriting and social media marketing services. I have worked on too many sites which are related to Tech, travel, health, education, and fitness.