A mockup tool is a tool that is used to create a scale or full-size model of a design that is used for teaching, promotion, evaluation, and other such purposes. It gives workers an idea on how the final product will be, so that they can make the required changes. In simple words, a mockup tool helps people create a prototype, which is used for evaluating the yet-to-be-produced product.

There are high-fidelity and low-fidelity mockup tools to choose from. Generally, high-fidelity mockup tools are more preferred due to the multiple advantages they have. However, many people still use the low-fidelity mockup tools, mainly because they are not aware of the great advantages that a high-fidelity mockup tool offers.

High-Fidelity Tools vs. Low-Fidelity Tools

Highlighted below are some main differences between the two, so that you clearly understand the advantages of a high-fidelity mockup tool. Low-fidelity mockups are hand-drawn paper prototypes, whereas high-fidelity mockups are visually treated on-screen prototypes.

The Difference in User Feedback

One of the main advantages of using a mockup tool is the fact that you can get proper feedback on it, based on which you make changes to your product. Every field, including software engineering, has revolutionized due to this technique.

High-fidelity prototypes present a better picture, but are also said to have distracted people’s attention from the functions of the prototype. The best tool depends on the type of work you are doing. For example: If you are creating a mobile application, then high-fidelity mockup tool is better, as it will give you the right of feedback on how the design comes across visually. Additionally, high-fidelity mockups give a closer idea of how the thing will look finished, as it pays attention to more details.

Low-Fidelity Mockup Tools are Boring

Well, that is quite a statement, but the general belief is that low-fidelity mockup tools are not very exciting, especially when presented to stakeholders. Data collected from different mockup websites show that many people are of the view that low-fidelity mockup tools present a rather boring picture, which is not visually very appealing to look at.

Luke Wroblewski puts the same thing this way:

“Don’t confuse the working prototype used for testing and getting kinks out of a mature product design with the one used to sell a design vision.”
It is clear that a high-fidelity mockup tool is better when you want to grab other’s attention.

High-Fidelity Tools are More Efficient

There are no two opinions on this. Many big companies use mockup tools to create a sample of their designs. Experts say that high-fidelity tools are very efficient and present a closer picture of the final product. Low-fidelity mockup tools are pale in his opinion. However, some might disagree as preferences change from person to person.

Choosing the Right High-Fidelity Tool

Now that you know the advantages of choosing a high-fidelity tool over a low-fidelity tool; the question arises – how do I find the right tool? Thanks to the availability of numerous such tools, it becomes difficult for people to find the right one. To help you in this regard, named below are a few great high-fidelity mockup tools.

• FileSquare
• Invision
• JustProto
• Mockup Builder
• MockFlow
• Proto.io

There are several features that you should look for in a high-fidelity tool to decide how good or bad it is. Let’s test FileSquare on such features. It is easily one of the most complete high-fidelity tools available on the block today. Thanks to its unique qualities, this tool is in a league of its own.

More Interaction

FileSquare offers you to easily add notes on your designs, so you can effortlessly receive comments on your designs. Additionally, your designs can be converted into interactive mobile mockups for real, clickable interface.

Easy Uploading and Sharing

It is very easy to upload your design files by using the drag and drop option. Additionally, the tool also has the option to easily share screen by sending the URL.

Safe and Private

FileSquare offers password-protected links to ensure your design’s confidentiality.

Better Preview

You can use the full screen preview option for a clearer view. This feature makes FileSquare perfect for presentations.

Other Options?

As mentioned above, the opinion seems to be divided on which tool is the better one. Most people tend to agree that high-fidelity mockup tools are better. However, it is not wise to neglect the section that still stands by low-fidelity tools. To sum up it, we want to have a mixture of both the tools. Generally, people prefer using low-fidelity tools for usability testing and facilitating design explorations. High-fidelity tools are generally used to assure and inspire stakeholders and project team members.

A user commented on the same giving example of HTML web sites on which one can swap CSS files from ‘treated’ view to ‘wireframe’ view. Well, until something like this comes on a larger scale, it is better to say that overall high-fidelity tools are a better option.

If you have heard of or used any other tool that can improve it even more, make sure you enlighten us with your valuable comments. We’d like to hear about individual’s opinions, as they help get a clearer picture.

Moving on, there are numerous high-fidelity mockup tools available today. It does not matter what you are working on, you can easily get a software/tool to help you prepare a prototype that can be used to present to stakeholders or potential investors.

As per certain reports, the use of mockup tools has greatly increased in the last few years as more and more people are opening to the benefits they offer. It is obvious that having access to such a tool provides better security to the project.

This one simple line sums the whole idea up, “You can fix it now on the drafting board with an eraser or you can fix it later on the construction site with a sledge hammer.”

Conclusion

Henceforth, it is concluded that high-fidelity mockup tools are better than low-fidelity mockup tools. If you are looking for such a tool then FileSquare should be your ultimate destination. The tool offers everything that one wants from a good high-fidelity mockup tool.