1. Conceptualization: During the initial stage of app prototyping, the idea and concept behind the application are defined. This involves identifying the target audience, understanding their needs, and determining the core features and functionalities of the app. The goal is to create a clear vision and direction for the prototype.
2. Wireframing: Wireframing involves creating low-fidelity visual representations of the app's screens and user interface. Wireframes focus on the structure, layout, and navigation of the app, without including detailed visual design elements. They help to establish the overall flow and organization of the app's screens and interactions.
3. Interaction Design: Interaction design focuses on defining how users will interact with the app. This involves adding interactive elements to the wireframes, such as buttons, menus, forms, and gestures. The prototype should simulate the expected user interactions, allowing stakeholders to understand how the app will function and providing a basis for gathering user feedback.
4. Visual Design: Once the wireframes and interaction design are in place, the visual design phase begins. Visual design adds the graphical elements, colors, typography, and branding to the app prototype. The visual design helps stakeholders and designers get a sense of the app's look and feel, and how the brand identity is reflected in the user interface.
5. Clickable Prototypes: Clickable prototypes aim to simulate the actual user experience of the app. Interactive elements are added to the wireframes or visual designs, allowing stakeholders to navigate through different screens, interact with various features, and test basic functionality. Clickable prototypes provide a more immersive experience and help identify any usability issues or improvements.
6. Usability Testing: Usability testing involves gathering feedback from users or targeted stakeholders who interact with the app prototype. The purpose is to observe how users navigate through the app, identify any pain points, and gather suggestions for improvement. Usability testing helps refine the app's design and functionality based on real user feedback.
7. Iterative Refinement: App prototyping is an iterative process, meaning that feedback and insights gathered during usability testing or stakeholder reviews are used to refine and improve the prototype. Multiple iterations may be required to address issues, incorporate feedback, and ensure the prototype aligns with the app's goals and user expectations.
8. Communication and Collaboration: Prototypes serve as a communication and collaboration tool among team members, stakeholders, and developers. They help align expectations, provide a visual reference for discussions, and serve as a blueprint for development. Prototypes can help bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, facilitating a shared understanding of the app's features and functionality.

App prototyping is an essential step in the app development process as it reduces the risk of costly design and functionality changes later in the development cycle. It allows for early feedback and validation, ensuring that the final app meets user needs and expectations. By creating an interactive and tangible representation of the app, prototyping helps streamline the development process, improves user experience, and increases the chances of creating a successful and well-received application.