Contents
- What is a mockup?
- What types of mockups are there?
- How to create a mockup?
- Benefits of using mockups
What is a mockup?
A mockup represents a model of a real object onto which various designs can be applied. For example, it can be a three-dimensional image of a t-shirt where you can add your unique print. The main function of a mockup is to visualize how the design will look in real life. This allows for identifying shortcomings in advance and saving costs on testing, as everything can be seen in a digital format before creating the physical product.
Mockups are most often used for purposes such as:
- Outdoor and print advertising
- Brand identity development
- Creating designs for applications and websites
For example, if a film company is preparing a movie about everyday life, they can create a billboard that matches the overall theme: using gray panel houses and dull colors. However, the mockup will help understand that such a design may get lost against the backdrop of similar buildings and not attract the attention of passersby.
What types of mockups are there?
Mockups can imitate various real objects onto which the design will eventually be placed. The most common types of mockups include:
- Generic products: These are simple items where the design plays a key role, such as mugs or t-shirts. Marketplaces often use mockups for quickly adding new products without the need for physical production.
- Outdoor advertising structures: Mockups for billboards and signs allow you to see how the advertising creative will look in a real urban environment.
- Print products: Mockups for business cards and flyers help demonstrate brand identity and avoid printing errors.
- Promotional products: Mockups for pens, flash drives, and other souvenirs help quickly develop merchandise for events.
It is important to note that the best results are achieved when creating mockups in the environment where the future product will be located. For example, when designing advertising for a residential complex, it is useful to use photographs of the area to visualize how the banner will look on the facade of the new building.
How to create a mockup?
Creating a mockup can be either a simple or complex process depending on the designer's skill level. Visualization helps to solve two key tasks: testing ideas and communicating them to others. The designer can check how their solutions look on various objects and in different conditions. Additionally, colleagues, clients, or partners will be able to visually see the final result, which facilitates the discussion and decision-making process.
Sometimes it may be necessary to create a 3D model or even a physical prototype to achieve the best results. For example, for a restaurant menu, it may be useful to print a full-size mockup and test its usability.
Benefits of using mockups
The use of mockups has many advantages, including:
- Visualization of design on real objects
- Saving time and money on production
- Simplifying the communication process with clients and colleagues
- The ability to test and refine ideas in the early stages
In conclusion, a mockup is a powerful tool for designers that allows them to create a quality and appealing product, as well as avoid common mistakes during the development phase. The use of mockups is becoming a standard in the industry and allows significantly increasing the efficiency of project work.