15. “Show, don’t tell”

If you want to waste time and not discuss what’s really important, tell someone about the flow and interfaces you’re imagining for your experience.

Tell them about how similar your design is to this or that app.

Tell them about how the data will be validated and what the transitions between stages will be like.

Now, if you want to talk about what really matters and save time, invest in wireframes and prototypes.

A cliché, but no less true for it, says:

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, a prototype is worth a thousand meetings.”

On the flip side, prototyping reduces options and biases the design. A prototype too early can be limiting. Timing is key.

Never forget that prototypes are disposable.

They serve their purpose and are discarded.