ProtoPie

What is ProtoPie?

ProtoPie is a prototyping tool designed for complex interactions that Figma’s prototyping can’t handle. Need a countdown timer? A calculator logic? Conditional flows based on user input? ProtoPie handles it.

ProtoPie works like this: import designs from Figma, add interactions through the ProtoPie editor, and share via link. No coding required. The result is an interactive prototype that feels like a real app.

One sentence punch: ProtoPie is for designers who need interactive logic that Figma’s prototyping can’t deliver.**

Why Designers Use ProtoPie

• Complex Interactions — Conditional flows, variables, calculations, state management without writing code.
• Realistic Prototypes — Prototypes that test like real apps. Users feel the difference between a prototype and production.
• Gesture Support — Swipe, pinch, drag, rotate. Gestures work like native app gestures.
• Device-Specific Testing — Prototype on actual phones. Test on iPhone and Android simultaneously.
• Team Collaboration — Share links. Stakeholders test without needing ProtoPie installed.

Common Uses for Designers

1. Complex Form Flows — Multi-step forms with conditional branching based on answers.
2. Animations — Micro-interactions, page transitions, loading states.
3. State Management — A calculator that remembers input. A to-do list that updates count.
4. Gesture-Heavy UX — Swipe navigation, pinch-to-zoom, drag-and-drop.
5. Real-Time Interactions — Prototypes that respond to user input like production apps.

ProtoPie vs Figma Prototyping

Use Figma for basic flows. Use ProtoPie for complex interactions.

How to Create a ProtoPie Prototype

1. Design in Figma — Create components and pages in Figma.
2. Export to ProtoPie — ProtoPie plugins import Figma files directly.
3. Add Interactions — Connect screens with interactions. Add logic.
4. Add Variables — Create variables for state (count, input value, etc).
5. Add Conditions — If user selects X, go to screen Y. If count > 10, show message.
6. Test on Device — Open on an iPhone. Test gestures and flows.
7. Share Prototype — Generate a link. Send to stakeholders.

ProtoPie Concepts

• Interactions — Tap, drag, swipe, pinch. Each interaction triggers an action.
• Variables — Store state (a number, text, true/false). Variables persist across screens.
• Conditions — If X, then Y. Routes based on variable values or user input.
• Calculations — Add, subtract, multiply. Math operations on variables.
• Sensors — Tap into device sensors: location, motion, light. Advanced but powerful.

Mentor Tips

• First tip: ProtoPie adds complexity. A prototype that’s too complex to explain isn’t useful. Keep prototypes simple enough for stakeholders to understand.
• Use for learning, not documentation. A ProtoPie prototype teaches developers how interactions feel. But it’s not a spec. Specs are still needed.
• Test on real devices. Browser preview is different from device testing. Always test on the actual device users will use.
• Combine with Figma. Design in Figma (simple, fast), prototype complex flows in ProtoPie (powerful but slower). Both tools together are strongest.

Resources and Tools

• Books: “Prototyping” by Todd Zaki Warfel
• Tools: ProtoPie Studio, Figma to ProtoPie plugins, device testing
• Articles: ProtoPie tutorials, interaction design on UX Collective