Discover the Secrets to Efficiently Organizing Prototypes in InVision

InVision is a powerful tool for designers to create and share interactive prototypes. However, managing a growing library of prototypes can become overwhelming without a solid organizational system. This blog post will guide you through best practices on how to organize prototypes in InVision, ensuring your workflow remains efficient and your projects stay clear and manageable.

Start with a Clear Folder Structure

The foundation of a well-organized InVision library lies in a logical and consistent folder structure. This structure should reflect your project workflow, making it easy to navigate and locate specific prototypes. Here’s a suggested approach:

• Project-Based Folders: Organize prototypes based on individual projects. This creates a clear separation between different products, features, or initiatives.
• Subfolders for Stages: Within each project folder, create subfolders for different stages of a prototype’s development:
• Concept: Early stage prototypes exploring different ideas and concepts.
• Design: Prototypes showcasing the visual design and user interface.
• Development: Prototypes used for collaboration with developers and testing.
• Final: Final prototypes ready for user testing or client review.
• Team Folders: If you work with multiple teams, create separate folders for each team to maintain ownership and control.

Utilize InVision’s Powerful Naming Conventions

Consistent naming conventions are crucial for maintaining order and quickly identifying prototypes. Here are some best practices:

• Project Name: Start each prototype name with the project name to quickly identify its context.
• Version Number: Include a version number to easily differentiate between iterations. For example, “Project X – Version 1.0.”
• Stage Identifier: Use a short identifier to indicate the prototype’s stage. For example, “Concept,” “Design,” “Dev,” or “Final.”
• Descriptive Title: Provide a brief description of the prototype’s focus, like “Homepage Prototype” or “Checkout Flow.”

Example: “Project X – Design – Homepage Prototype – Version 2.0″

Leverage Tags for Enhanced Filtering

InVision’s tagging system is a powerful tool for organizing prototypes based on various criteria beyond folder structure. Here’s how to effectively use tags:

• Project Type: Use tags like “Website,” “Mobile App,” or “Branding” to categorize prototypes by their primary purpose.
• Target Audience: Tag prototypes based on their intended user, such as “Enterprise,” “Consumer,” or “Internal.”
• Feature: Use tags to identify specific features or functionalities within a prototype, like “Login,” “Checkout,” or “Search.”
• Status: Create tags for different stages of development, such as “In Progress,” “Pending Review,” or “Approved.”

Embrace the Power of Shared Libraries

InVision’s shared libraries allow you to create centralized repositories for design elements, such as colors, fonts, and components. This ensures consistency across your prototypes and simplifies the design process.

• Create Reusable Components: Define common UI elements as reusable components, making it easy to update them across multiple prototypes.
• Maintain a Consistent Style Guide: Share your brand guidelines and style rules within a library to ensure consistency in design across all projects.
• Streamline Collaboration: Shared libraries make it easier for team members to access and use the same design elements, promoting collaboration and consistency.

Take Advantage of InVision’s Search Functionality

InVision’s powerful search feature allows you to quickly find specific prototypes based on keywords, tags, or other criteria.

• Use Relevant Keywords: Utilize descriptive keywords in your prototype names and tags to ensure they appear in search results.
• Combine Search Terms: Use multiple search terms to narrow down your results and find exactly what you need.
• Filter by Tags: Use the “Filter by Tags” option to quickly find prototypes with specific tags.

The Final Touch: Regular Housekeeping

Maintaining a well-organized InVision library requires regular housekeeping.

• Delete Unused Prototypes: Periodically review your library and delete prototypes that are no longer relevant or needed.
• Update Tags and Naming Conventions: As your projects evolve, make sure to update tags and naming conventions to reflect changes and maintain accuracy.
• Organize and Archive: Move older or completed prototypes into separate archive folders to keep your active library clean and manageable.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips for Organization

• Use InVision’s “Favorites” Feature: Mark important prototypes as favorites for easy access.
• Create Custom Views: Customize your InVision dashboard with specific views that show only the prototypes you need.
• Leverage InVision’s Collaboration Features: Use comments, annotations, and other collaboration tools to keep your team organized and on the same page.

The End of the Journey: A Well-Organized InVision Library

By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a well-organized InVision library that is efficient, user-friendly, and facilitates seamless collaboration. Remember, a structured and organized library not only saves time and effort but also improves the overall quality of your design process.

What You Need to Know

Q: What if I have a large number of prototypes?

A: For large libraries, consider creating subfolders within project folders to further categorize prototypes. You can also use InVision’s search and filtering features to quickly find specific prototypes.

Q: How often should I clean up my InVision library?

A: A good practice is to review your library and perform cleanup tasks at least once a month. This ensures that your library remains organized and efficient.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of tags I can use?

A: There is no limit to the number of tags you can use per prototype, but it’s best to keep them relevant and manageable for easy filtering and searching.

Q: Can I share a shared library with external collaborators?

A: Yes, you can share shared libraries with external collaborators by granting them access. This allows them to access design elements and maintain consistency across projects.

Q: What are some other tools that can help me organize my InVision library?

A: Consider using tools like Notion or Trello to create a central hub for managing your InVision projects, prototypes, and related documentation.