sometimes a web designer simply needs to make interactive mockups. With an interactive mockup, the client can understand exactly how the final project is shaping up and how it will look when it’s done. If the client has a better grasp of the project, they can approve it faster, and the project gets to save money in development.

Since the beginning of web design, website prototypes have almost literally been wireframes; dull black and white concept drawings that are off-putting for customers who don’t quite grasp the difference between a trial product and the finished version.

This new Prototyping Tool avoids this problem and allows a designer to make Interactive Mockups. Interactive isn’t just a buzzword – these interactive prototypes are as functional as the finished product should be. This allows the client and anyone else involved in the project to play around with the site or app, experiencing it as it will appear live.

When you can make interactive Mockups, the skies are no longer the limit. Teams can share the project across everyone involved, posting comments or directives on the spot. There’s no tedious sharing and syncing – it’s all one project. The project leader can set security levels to wall off parts of the project if necessary.

Where these wireframes excel is in navigation flow. It’s as simple as setting up hotspots in the wireframe with a link to the target frame, with just a couple of clicks. Changing these hotspots takes seconds. Web designers can mock up the site’s full interactivity with only a few hours of work, rather than days of tedious coding. At any stage in the process, the project is accessible with any mobile device and tested on the fly.

All of these features are available in one prototyping tool that follows the SaaS model, or Software as a Service. The tool can be rented for around $25 a month, with which it can support up to five projects with online help and security. Not convinced? The free trial is an excellent way to try before you commit.