I recently came across an article called "9 fundamental principles of responsive web design," which caught my attention due to the use of animation to effectively illustrate the distinction between responsive and non-responsive web design.

Now, let's consider a hypothetical situation. We have a layout and either a layout designer, a frontend developer with limited knowledge of UX, or a non-standard UX approach. In this scenario, how would you demonstrate the kind of active interaction that the layout requires? Are there specialized tools or devices for this purpose? Alternatively, can animation be incorporated directly into the PSD file?

To delve deeper into this matter, please share your solutions. I will make a note of the solution that appeals to me the most, as well as another one that I believe offers the most objective approach.

What is the best way to prototype layouts with unconventional UX (involving interactive elements)? The aim is to make the layout easily understandable even for someone as young as a fifth grader!

To prototype layouts with unconventional UX involving interactive elements, there are several approaches you can consider. Here are a few solutions that may appeal to you:

1. Paper Prototyping: Create a low-fidelity prototype using paper, scissors, and sticky notes. This technique allows you to quickly mock up the layout and interactive elements by drawing them on paper and simulating interactions manually.

2. Digital Prototyping Tools: There are various specialized prototyping tools available that can help you create interactive prototypes easily. Some popular options include Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP, and Sketch. These tools allow you to design and create interactive elements directly in the digital space.

3. HTML/CSS/Javascript Prototyping: If you have frontend development skills or a developer on your team, you can prototype the layout using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This approach gives you full control over the design and interactivity, allowing you to create rich and customized prototypes.

4. Animated GIFs or Videos: Another option is to create animated GIFs or videos that showcase the layout and its interactive elements. You can use tools like Adobe After Effects or online animation platforms to create these animations, then embed them into your presentation or dоcumentation.

Regarding making the layout easily understandable for a fifth grader, it's important to focus on simplicity and clarity. Use visual cues, clear instructions, and intuitive interactions to guide the user through the layout. Consider using animation sparingly, making sure it enhances understanding rather than overwhelming the user.

Ultimately, the choice of prototyping method will depend on the complexity of your layout, the resources available, and the specific needs of your project. It's best to experiment with different approaches to find the one that works best for your team and your target audience.

In Photoshop, you have the option to create a gif animation similar to the picture posted in the question. However, this feature is primarily used for demonstration purposes in a portfolio or presentation. For layout designers, it would be more beneficial to utilize layer comps for better clarity in future work. With all the graphics contained in a single file, it becomes easier to understand how the layout responds to different actions, such as clicking on specific elements or observing grid behavior.

if you're looking for more advanced animation capabilities, you might consider using software like Adobe Edge Animate. It provides a wider range of tools and options to create interactive and engaging animations for your projects.

What specifically is your requirement? Are you referring to layouts or prototypes? Initially, you mention layouts and PSD files, but later you talk about prototyping. Are you looking for visually appealing animations or a clear understanding of how the layout will alter?

Adaptive layouts can be effortlessly created using Axure, and responsive designs are an enhanced form of adaptiveness. However, there may not be a necessity for responsive prototypes. The remaining aspects, along with comments, do provide sufficient comprehension.

One of the primary objectives of a prototype is to convey understanding. Other details can be addressed subsequently.

Personally, I tend to favor paper-based design methods.

One solution that appeals to me involves the use of specialized prototyping tools such as Adobe XD or Figma. These tools allow for the creation of interactive prototypes with animated transitions, which can be easily shared and tested with stakeholders. By creating a prototype that simulates the interactive elements of the layout, it becomes possible to illustrate the intended user experience in a visually engaging and intuitive manner. This approach not only helps in demonstrating the active interaction required but also provides a clear understanding of the layout, making it accessible and comprehensible to users of all ages.

Another objective approach involves incorporating animation directly into the PSD (Photoshop) file. While Photoshop itself may not support complex interactive elements, the use of timeline-based animation and video editing software can be employed to create animated demos of the layout. By animating the various interactive elements within the PSD file, it becomes feasible to showcase the intended user interactions, transitions, and visual feedback. This method offers a comprehensive visualization of the layout's interactive aspects and can serve as a powerful communication tool for conveying the user experience to diverse audiences.

Overall, the key to effectively prototyping layouts with unconventional UX involving interactive elements lies in leveraging specialized prototyping tools or incorporating animation directly into the design files. These approaches facilitate the demonstration of active interaction within the layout and aid in making the user experience easily understandable, even for young audiences.