A coded simulation that tests interactions too subtle for static prototypes
Designers Academy
17 February 2026 · 4 min read
In brief
Interactive click modelling involves building a working digital representation of a design using code, allowing users to interact with a realistic simulation of the final product to test subtle interactions too complex for static prototypes.
Interactive click modelling, sometimes called a functional prototype or coded prototype, involves building a working digital representation of a design using code, allowing users to interact with a realistic simulation of the final product. Unlike click dummies that swap static screens, interactive click models respond dynamically to user input, validate form entries, animate transitions, and simulate data states. They are the highest-fidelity form of pre-production prototype and are used when the realism of interaction matters more than speed of iteration.
An interactive click model is a front-end implementation of the design (built in HTML/CSS/JavaScript, React, or similar web technologies) that looks and behaves like the real product without being connected to live backend systems. It uses hard-coded or mocked data, simulated API responses, and scripted interaction states to create the appearance and feel of functionality. Its value over simpler prototypes lies in its ability to test micro-interactions, animation timing, form behaviour, and responsive design, elements that static prototypes cannot adequately simulate.
Interactive click modelling is most valuable in the late design phase when the concept has been validated structurally and the focus shifts to refining the interactive quality of the experience. It is essential for testing complex interactions like gesture controls, animation sequences, drag-and-drop interfaces, and real-time form validation. Use it when stakeholders or development partners need a high-confidence representation of the intended experience before committing to full implementation.
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