Stop Prototyping in Figma

Does that anger you? “But Figma just released awesome updates for prototyping…” You don’t have to stop, but in this post we will explain why we feel a quick MVP or POC in FlutterFlow is 10x more powerful than a static prototype with vector designs.

Disclaimer: FlutterFlow is fully capable of producing production ready applications — at Kaleo Design we have launched many applications that work smoothly, fluidly and are just as good as custom applications. This post goes over a specific pain point we find in traditional prototyping workflows. FlutterFlow isn’t right for every project but we love the pathways it opens up for startups and founders alike to build, ship and iterate faster.

Introduction

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In the dynamic world of startups, speed and efficiency are critical. The ability to quickly prototype, iterate, and launch Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) can make or break a new venture. At Kaleo Design, we understand this pressure and are continually seeking ways to streamline our processes. We have worked with 100s of companies over the last 11 years, each of those projects are different but there are common threads.

One of those threads is prototyping. Whenever you build a large product, you also want to get user feedback, see how people interact with your product or how long it takes a user to complete an onboarding flow for example. Everytime we have produced these in Figma, Invision (RIP Invision, what a great tool in the 2010s). We have seen a common thread, static interactions.

No matter how robust your component usage is, conditionals, variables etc. you still have a hard time implementing keyboard interactions, actual form fields, dynamic information from page to page etc.

1. Speed: Static vs. Dynamic building

One of the primary reasons for our switch to FlutterFlow is its unparalleled speed and efficiency. Unlike static prototypes created in tools like Figma, FlutterFlow enables us to develop dynamic prototypes that closely mimic the final product. Here’s why this distinction matters:

• Static Prototypes (Figma): While static prototypes are visually appealing, they lack native interactions such as swipe gestures, keyboard inputs, and functional form fields. Moreover, these prototypes do not support data interactions—meaning user-specific data (like names and images) cannot be passed or displayed dynamically. Once a static prototype is approved, it still requires significant development work to bring it to life.

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• Dynamic POCs (FlutterFlow): Building in FlutterFlow accelerates the actual development of your app because you’re designing directly in code. This approach allows for real-time interactions and functionality, such as swiping, keyboard inputs, and live form fields. Additionally, FlutterFlow supports integration with real databases, enabling the passing of user-specific data or feeding real data to users. This not only speeds up the prototyping phase but also brings you significantly closer to the final product from the outset.
• Animations are live! They are just built with the proper animation engine and are built in code.

By choosing FlutterFlow, we’re able to create high-fidelity, dynamic prototypes rapidly, without compromising on quality. This acceleration is crucial for startups that need to test their ideas in the market as quickly as possible, offering a more accurate representation of the final product and reducing the gap between prototype and production.

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2. Visual Development Environment

FlutterFlow provides a visual development environment that simplifies the coding process through its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. This environment enables our designers and developers to collaborate more effectively, reducing the gap between design and development. Here’s how FlutterFlow further enhances efficiency:

• Flows in FlutterFlow: Utilizing "Flows" in FlutterFlow significantly cuts down on development time for the actual product design cycle. Flows allow us to define and visualize the user journey through the app, mapping out each screen and interaction in a coherent sequence. This not only speeds up the design process but also ensures a seamless user experience by preemptively addressing potential navigation issues.
  

• Native Flutter Widgets: FlutterFlow leverages native Flutter widgets, which are pre-built components that can be easily integrated into the prototype. Interactions like rating bars, sliders, and toggles are readily available and can be implemented in a matter of minutes. In contrast, setting up similar interactive elements in Figma can take hours and still lack the real functionality provided by Flutter widgets.

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The visual approach of FlutterFlow also facilitates quick iterations based on feedback. Adjustments can be made in real-time, allowing us to rapidly refine and enhance the prototype. This agility is essential for startups needing to pivot quickly based on user feedback or market demands.

By streamlining the design and development process with Flows and native Flutter widgets, FlutterFlow enables us to deliver functional, interactive prototypes faster and more efficiently than ever before.

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3. Cost-Effective Prototyping

Prototyping can be a costly affair, especially for startups operating on tight budgets. FlutterFlow offers a cost-effective solution by significantly reducing the time and resources required to develop a prototype. Here’s how we achieve this:

• No Double Work: Traditionally, the design and development process involves creating a static design in tools like Figma, then handing it over to developers to rebuild the design in code. This iterative process can be time-consuming and expensive. With FlutterFlow, we design and develop simultaneously within the same platform. This eliminates the need for double work, cutting out the phase where designs are recreated in code. By streamlining this process, we save both time and money, allowing us to deliver high-quality prototypes more efficiently.
  

• Fast Deployment to Testing Groups: One of the key advantages of using FlutterFlow is the ability to quickly deploy prototypes to testing groups. Changes and iterations can be made in real-time and immediately released to users for feedback. This rapid iteration cycle allows us to refine the product based on real user input swiftly. Instead of waiting for lengthy development cycles, startups can see their ideas in action, gather valuable feedback, and make necessary adjustments on the fly. This agility is crucial for staying responsive to user needs and market demands.

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By minimizing the need for extensive coding and leveraging the efficient workflows within FlutterFlow, we can deliver functional, interactive prototypes at a fraction of the traditional cost. This approach not only saves money but also accelerates the development timeline, giving startups a competitive edge in bringing their products to market.

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4. Platform Specific Deployment

One of the standout features of FlutterFlow is its ability to facilitate platform-specific deployment. This means that prototypes can be tested on real devices through TestFlight and the Play Store, allowing for comprehensive testing and feedback. Here’s why this is a game-changer:

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• Real Device Testing: Unlike traditional prototyping tools, FlutterFlow allows you to deploy your prototypes directly to real devices. Using TestFlight for iOS and the Play Store for Android, you can quickly share your app with testing groups. This hands-on testing approach provides invaluable insights into the user experience, helping identify and fix issues that might not be evident in a purely desktop or web-based testing environment.
• Web App Deployment: If you’re working on a web app, FlutterFlow streamlines the process of deploying updates and new use cases. You can roll out changes rapidly, ensuring your testing groups always have access to the latest version. This fast deployment cycle enables you to gather feedback and iterate quickly, refining your app to meet user needs effectively.
• Seamless Transition to Production: Once your prototype is validated and tested, transitioning to the development phase is seamless. The code generated by FlutterFlow is clean and ready for use in Flutter projects. This ensures consistency throughout the development process, saving time and reducing the potential for errors.

By leveraging platform-specific deployment, FlutterFlow allows us to test prototypes in real-world conditions, gather meaningful feedback, and iterate rapidly. This capability not only enhances the quality of the final product but also accelerates the journey from concept to market.

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Conclusion (TLDR)

Whew… that was a lot. We also understand that the points we lay out aren’t always true, sometimes the amount of rework you have to do from FlutterFlow is massive, but we find that to be a builder problem and not a platform problem. That is why we recommend partnering with a reliable agency or freelancer to deliver an optimal experience.

FlutterFlow accelerates prototyping by cutting down on redundant phases and development time, drastically reducing costs. Its visual development environment, combined with native Flutter widgets and real-time deployment capabilities, ensures an efficient and agile workflow. For startups, this means moving from concept to MVP faster and with greater precision.

At Kaleo Design, we’ve seen firsthand how FlutterFlow improves the prototyping process and creates a smoother transition to full-scale development. If you want to see your idea in action faster and more effectively, it’s time to embrace FlutterFlow’s dynamic capabilities.

Stop relying solely on static prototypes and embrace the dynamic capabilities of FlutterFlow. Experience the difference in speed, efficiency, and overall product quality. At Kaleo Design, we’re committed to helping you launch your Products faster and more effectively, harnessing the full potential of FlutterFlow.

Would you like to start development on your next project? Get in touch now here: Start a Project

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