From Idea to Prototype

What is included

• Interactive Prototype: one mobile, web or desktop interface with up to five screens and two agreed user journeys, within eight delivery hours. Includes screen flow, reusable UI components, sample content and simulated interactions on one agreed target platform; no backend or live integrations.
• Working App Prototype: one mobile, web or desktop application with up to eight screens and three agreed user journeys, within 24 delivery hours. Includes a simple backend, one database with up to five entities, and one agreed create/view/update workflow, built and tested on one agreed target platform.
• Choose Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, a web browser or another operating system. We agree supported OS versions, devices, browser versions and CPU architectures before starting. Other operating systems and specialist devices receive a feasibility assessment and custom quote.
• The starting prices cover one target: one mobile OS, one desktop OS, or a web app with an agreed browser test matrix. Multiple targets can be built from a shared codebase where suitable; additional platform builds, integrations and testing are separately estimated in the written quote. Selecting several targets requests that quote and does not include them all in the starter price.
• The working app can include standard sign-in with up to two roles and one documented HTTP API integration in a sandbox, where these fit the agreed delivery budget. Provider accounts and access must be ready; custom identity systems and live payments are separately scoped.
• We agree the target user, main problem, screen list and acceptance checklist before building. Scope is reduced or separately quoted if the requested features will not fit the chosen hour limit.
• Both options include layouts and input behaviour suited to the agreed devices, basic keyboard or touch and form usability checks, and one consolidated feedback round within the agreed screen list and hour limit.
• For working apps, add automated checks for the agreed core workflow and access boundaries, document the data model, and provide repeatable setup instructions. Demonstrations use synthetic or approved non-sensitive data.

What you receive

• Interactive Prototype: runnable interface source, screen-flow notes, sample data, instructions for previewing it on the agreed target and a list of simulated features.
• Working App Prototype: application and backend source in your repository, an agreed test build or web preview, data-model diagram, applicable schema/setup scripts and test results for the agreed workflow.
• README, platform-specific build and run instructions, dependency and environment setup notes, a configuration template without secrets, a feature checklist and known limitations.
• One walkthrough and a 60-minute handover, plus a prioritised next-step backlog. Mobile or desktop test distribution uses an agreed simulator, emulator or device installation method. A hosted web preview can be arranged on your account with hosting charged separately.

How we check it works

Walk through the agreed user journeys on every target OS, device or browser listed in the written scope. The interactive option demonstrates the specified screen transitions using sample data. The working option builds and runs from documented setup, saves and retrieves the agreed records, and passes its agreed workflow and access tests. Record the tested OS versions and device or emulator details, plus simulated, incomplete or untested behaviour. Cross-platform acceptance covers only the targets included in your approved quote.

Running costs and optional care

Interactive Prototype starts at US$990 once-off for one target platform. Working App Prototype starts at US$2,990 once-off for one target and includes its own interface build; the interactive option is not a prerequisite or an additional required fee. Multi-platform builds and additional OS/device testing are quoted after reviewing your selections. Prices exclude VAT, domains, hosting, external APIs, licences, developer accounts, signing certificates and test hardware. No mandatory retainer. Further iterations, support and production engineering are separately scoped and approved.

Scope boundaries

Public app-store submission and approval, production signing and notarisation, live payment processing, complex multi-tenant systems, large data imports, custom model training, full branding exercises and unlimited features or revisions are excluded from the starter options and can be separately scoped where feasible. Native mobile and desktop development is available within an agreed platform scope; support for every OS version, device or architecture is not included in a single starter price. A prototype is for validation and demonstration; it does not include a production launch, guaranteed scale, formal accessibility certification, compliance review or a full security assessment. Production readiness is assessed and quoted separately through From Prototype To Production.

Before we start

Bring your idea, target users, desired operating systems and devices, the main task you want to test and any existing sketches or brand materials. You supply content you can use and provider accounts for any agreed integration. Mobile and desktop work may need suitable build hardware, test devices and developer/signing accounts, which are confirmed during scoping. We confirm native or cross-platform technology choices, technical fit, distribution method, costs, source ownership and third-party licence constraints before payment. A free 30-minute scoping call helps choose the right option.

Delivery and handover

Delivery dates are confirmed after the brief and access are ready. Each option includes planning, build, checks, one consolidated feedback round and handover within its hour limit. Changed requirements or extra revisions need an approved quote; work pauses at the agreed limit. Feedback deadlines and milestones are set in the written scope.