Following client approval of the site's conceptual plan, HEI, with the client's concurrence, will produce a site prototype for evaluation, recommended for larger, complex web sites. This may be in the form of a PowerPoint™ presentation, or as an actual mini-web site, together with flow-chart drawings of the site's traffic flow — whatever is appropriate to the size and complexity of the job.

Generally, the prototype will not include any custom-generated graphics images, drawings, artwork or photographs that will be needed for the final web site unless specifically requested.

Use of a prototype is important for sensitive situations, or when buy-in from a number of diverse groups or individuals is necessary. A prototype web presence environment can also be used to advantage for the subjective comparison of different design themes, color schemes and marketing philosophies.

Another benefit from site prototypes is it often serves as a catalyst for creative thought among potential users or managers as to extra features, capabilities needed or to create other beneficial changes. In general, prototype pages or sites can be easily changed at a reasonable incremental cost. Alternatively, to retool an entire physical web site can be a lengthy and relatively expensive process.

Some organizations also require user-testing. Often, this may be included as part of prototyping for the more complex sites. Do potential users of your site find the layout and arrangement intuitive to use? Can they quickly and easily find what they need? HEI can carry out statistically valid site scoring for some alternatives to help polish the design's approach.

After prototype approval by the client, the actual site can be produced. Please see the implementation page for further details.

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