End of the Prototyping Tunnel
It's been more than a year since I first sat down and started prototyping what was to become the functional and interface design for Mapraider 2.0. I am happy to say that I can finally see the bright light at the end of the prototyping tunnel and this week I am putting the last of the prototype together.
You're probably asking why the hell it took so long!
Unlike the prototype for the first version of Mapraider that I showcased in my first blog post, I took the time to put together a complete working prototype of all of the features and functionality that are to be included in this iteration of the site.
The site isn't really that deep in terms of hierarchy, but there were a ton of issues to resolve (thanks to my experiences with v1.0) and new goodies to work in. Some of these changes were just so important to the success or failure of the site that I spent a lot of time experimenting with different approaches to each. I even blogged a few times about specific items just for the exercise of actually thinking and "talking" about them in depth.
Unfortunately, until Mapraider can pay my mortgage :) Real Life® takes priority and the net result is a slow-cook recipe that just has to take its own sweet time.
Regardless, the end of this week finally brings with it the next phase of the project — where I finally begin to share the prototype with a select few individuals for feedback.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about showing it to my team of enthusiasts. I am absolutely thrilled at how it looks and feels, but have a feeling that there will be some surprise, many questions and some concerns. Overall though, I hope it simply fuels their excitement for the project because I am ready to really start getting into the meat of this beast.
Comments ported from original blog:
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At 3:01 PM, Ophis said…
Its great to see it coming along and i am more then willing to lend my time to browse V2 until the links get sore from me clicking. :p I have web development skills myself so i know where to look when it comes down to the mechanics but im mainly a graphic designer so i can give detailed opinions in that area too. Just Hola at me if you need the help.
- Ophis
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At 3:54 PM, John said…
Thanks, Ophis - appreciate it. I've got a few people looking at things right now and may have another round of review after they've all given me their feedback. If not then, there will definately be more opportunities once I've got to the next stage of building the functionality against the final prototype.