Module 45: Building HTML Prototypes for Websites
Module Overview
In this module, you will learn how to build functional website prototypes using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Prototyping helps visualize web designs, test user interactions, and refine website functionality before full development.
1: Introduction to HTML Prototyping
What is an HTML Prototype?
An HTML prototype is a simplified version of a website that demonstrates layout, navigation, and interactive elements without full backend functionality. Unlike static wireframes, HTML prototypes provide a working model that users can interact with.
Why Use HTML Prototypes?
Allows early usability testing
Helps designers and developers collaborate effectively
Provides a better understanding of page structures and interactions
Saves time by reducing major changes in later development stages
Example: Imagine you are designing an e-commerce website. Instead of building the full site with backend features, you create an HTML prototype with clickable navigation, product listings, and a basic checkout flow.
2: Setting Up an HTML Prototype
Basic Requirements
Text Editor: VS Code, Sublime Text, or Atom
Web Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Live Server Extension (for real-time updates)
Folder Structure
Organizing files properly helps manage the prototype efficiently.
/html-prototype
/css
styles.css
/js
script.js
/images
index.html
about.html
contact.html
3: Creating the Basic Structure
Step 1: Writing the HTML Framework
Create a basic structure using semantic HTML.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>Website Prototype</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/styles.css">
</head>
<body>
<header>
<h1>Website Prototype</h1>
<nav>
<ul>
<li><a href="index.html">Home</a></li>
<li><a href="about.html">About</a></li>
<li><a href="contact.html">Contact</a></li>
</ul>
</nav>
</header>
<main>
<h2>Welcome to Our Website</h2>
<p>This is a simple HTML prototype.</p>
</main>
<footer>
<p>© 2025 Website Prototype</p>
</footer>
</body>
</html>
Explanation
Uses semantic elements (<header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer>)
Provides a responsive meta tag for mobile compatibility
Links an external CSS file for styling
4: Adding Styles for Better Visualization
HTML prototypes should be visually appealing but not over-designed.
Step 2: Creating a Simple CSS File
styles.css
body {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
background-color: #f4f4f4;
}
header {
background: #333;
color: white;
padding: 15px;
text-align: center;
}
nav ul {
list-style: none;
padding: 0;
}
nav ul li {
display: inline;
margin: 0 10px;
}
nav ul li a {
color: white;
text-decoration: none;
}
Key Takeaways
Ensures basic styling without focusing too much on aesthetics
Uses a navigation bar with simple styling
Improves readability and layout structure
5: Adding Basic Interactivity
Prototypes can include minimal JavaScript to simulate real interactions.
Step 3: Adding a JavaScript File
script.js
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {
alert("Welcome to the website prototype!");
});
Enhancing User Interaction
Add hover effects to buttons
Create a working navigation menu
Simulate form validation
Example: Simulating a form submission
<form id="contact-form">
<input type="text" placeholder="Your Name" required>
<input type="email" placeholder="Your Email" required>
<button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>
<script>
document.getElementById("contact-form").addEventListener("submit", function(event) {
event.preventDefault();
alert("Form submitted successfully!");
});
</script>
6: Creating Clickable Wireframes with HTML
Instead of static wireframes, create clickable prototypes.
Step 4: Linking Multiple Pages
Create an About and Contact page
Use simple navigation with anchor links
Allow users to move between pages easily
Example:
<a href="about.html">Go to About Page</a>
7: Testing and Refining the Prototype
Usability Testing Checklist
Is the navigation intuitive?
Are buttons and links working properly?
Does the layout work on mobile devices?
Practical Exercise
Test Your Prototype on Mobile
Open Developer Tools (F12 in Chrome)
Switch to Mobile View (Ctrl + Shift + M)
Ensure the layout adjusts properly
Get Feedback from Users
Share the prototype link
Ask users to complete specific tasks (e.g., navigate to the About page)
Collect feedback and refine the prototype
8: Exporting and Sharing the Prototype
Methods for Sharing
Host on GitHub Pages
Upload files to a GitHub repository
Enable GitHub Pages for live preview
Use CodePen or JSFiddle
Paste HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Share the link with stakeholders
ZIP and Send
Compress the project folder
Share via email or cloud storage
Final Exercise: Build a Complete Prototype
Task: Create a Functional Blog Prototype
Homepage: Displays blog posts
Post Page: Shows full blog content
Contact Page: Includes a form with validation
Navigation: Allows users to switch between pages
Example Folder Structure
/blog-prototype
/css
styles.css
/js
script.js
index.html
post.html
contact.html
Challenge
Add hover effects to buttons
Include a modal pop-up for user feedback
Implement a simple responsive design
Summary
Learned how to structure an HTML prototype using simple HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Explored interactive elements like navigation, buttons, and forms
Tested usability and refined the design based on feedback
Practiced sharing and hosting the prototype online
By mastering HTML prototypes, you can efficiently communicate design ideas, test usability, and iterate on improvements before full development.
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