Mockups and Prototypes

Mockups are standard communication tools for graphic designers, used to convey visual ideas to clients who may not be accustomed to thinking in visual terms. There are things mockups can't do well -- for instance, conveying all aspects of a Web site's interaction with a customer. Designer Luke Wroblewski warns against giving clients too many options at the mockup stage. Instead, pare your ideas down to one or two, but base them solidly in a thorough understanding of the problems the client is trying to solve. Be sure to mark any drafts, mockups or prototypes with a stamp or other clear label that identifies them as not being final products, and prevents the client from accidentally or purposefully using them as final products.