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Don’t build the wrong app: Why rapid app prototyping saves money

Tom  Passmore
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Common questions around prototyping 

If you’re thinking about building an app, chances are you’ve asked:

  • What are the benefits of mobile app prototyping?

  • Is rapid prototyping worth the cost?

  • How does prototyping save time and money?

  • What tools support rapid prototyping?

The answer? Rapid prototyping. Done right, it can save you thousands and shave weeks off your timeline.

What is rapid app prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is the practice of creating interactive demo versions of your app before a single line of code is written.

These clickable prototypes show how your app will work, not just how it looks — allowing you to validate, test, and refine ideas early.

Think of it as a safety net for your app budget.

Why prototypes reduce cost and risk

1. Fix big problems before they get expensive

Making changes in a prototype might take an hour. Doing it in code? Weeks. Studies show fixing an issue after release can cost up to 100x more than fixing it in design.

2. Clarify expectations early

Stakeholders don’t need to guess — they can use the prototype and provide feedback upfront.

3. Improve timeline predictability

With a prototype, dev teams know exactly what’s expected, reducing the risk of rework and delays.

4. Engage users sooner

Clickable prototypes let you test flows and usability with real people, so you know what resonates before committing budget.

The benefits in a nutshell

Benefit Why it matters
Clearer requirements Everyone sees how the app works, not just reads about it
Faster iteration Changes in design tools are quick and painless
Lower cost Avoid building features that don’t work for users
Better buy‑in Stakeholders rally around a shared vision
Early validation Test flows with users before you build

How rapid prototyping works

  1. Sketch key flows — sign-up, checkout, or whatever drives value

  2. Create a clickable prototype — with tools like Figma, Expo and React Native

  3. Test with users & stakeholders — gather feedback fast

  4. Refine & repeat — fix usability or design issues before build

  5. Handoff to devs — provide a clear blueprint for development

Ready to save time and money?

Don’t risk pouring months of effort into the wrong build.

With a prototype, you’ll validate your idea, spot usability issues early, and keep your project on time and on budget.

Let’s build your prototype together. Book a free 30‑minute consultation and see your app idea come to life — before you spend thousands on development.

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Tom Passmore
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