One of the persistent challenges for web agencies is ensuring that clients are fully engaged and aligned at every step of the project, especially when transitioning from design to development. During a recent episode of the Publishing Flow podcast, Ash Shaw from LightSpeed WordPress Agency shared valuable insights on how Figma prototypes are transforming this process, both for developers and, most importantly, for clients.
Beyond Static Mockups: Interactive Prototypes
According to Ash, traditional handoffs from design to development used to be riddled with inefficiencies: miscommunications, endless rounds of feedback, and clients often being unsure what to review or how to provide constructive input. By leveraging Figma’s interactive prototypes, their team created an environment where clients could experience a design in a “clickable” way, rather than just viewing flat static mockups.
“Prototypes now [are] used for handing off to developers as well as clients… If they think all of that is feasible and it’s ready to go to the client, then that’s where we would pass it off to the client.”
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The Power of Clarity: Table of Contents for Prototypes
One simple but highly effective improvement was adding a table of contents to every prototype. This step—introduced only a few weeks before Ash spoke on the podcast—radically changed how clients interacted with prototypes:
“Now, when a client opens a prototype, it starts with the table of contents, which explains how the prototype works as a start. Because we were finding that when we sent prototypes to clients, they misunderstood what the purpose of a FIGMA prototype was. They thought it was the website, because now they’re clicking and oh, but it doesn’t do this and it doesn’t do that, and they give us all this irrelevant feedback. So now you explain that, you give them context. How does it work? Then the next context we give them is what is it we want feedback on…”
By guiding clients through explaining the prototype’s intent, areas to focus their feedback, and exactly which screens require input, LightSpeed reduced confusion and received more targeted, actionable comments.
Rapid Customization: Branded Prototypes in No Time
Another benefit comes from the reusable design systems built in Figma. The team can quickly swap out colors, typography, and logos, providing clients with a “first draft” of their branded website experience within an hour. This not only increases efficiency but also helps clients visualize their project early in the process, leading to better discussions and decisions.
When all is said and done
By thoughtfully leveraging Figma’s features in its prototyping capabilities and a simple table of contents, agencies can educate clients, set clear expectations and encourage more useful feedback. This not only smoothes the path from design to development but also creates a more satisfying and reassuring experience for the client.
If you’re working with clients in WordPress projects, consider these strategies to make your own handoff process as seamless as possible.
Inspired by insights from Ash Shaw on Open Channels FM’s Publishing Flow series.
