Design & Accessibility
What is Interactive Prototype?
A prototype is the clickable (but non-functional) version of a screen or flow — used for usability tests and stakeholder alignment.
A prototype simulates the experience without real code: clicks navigate, transitions happen, but data is fake. It allows usability tests months before the product exists.
In 2026, generative AI dissolves the boundary: tools like Lovable and Prisma Studio generate FUNCTIONAL prototypes (with real data) from a brief. Figma prototype becomes an intermediate step, not the goal.
Use it in practice
Functional app with AI
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Figma prototype vs AI-generated functional app?
For quick test with 5-10 people, Figma works. For real-data tests or production UX validation, a functional app is better.
How many prototype iterations before coding?
2-3 cycles cover 80% of problems. More than that becomes polish; worse, real code reveals problems prototypes hide.