Mockup
A mockup is a realistic preview showing how a design will look in reality — such as a logo on a sign, a website on a smartphone or a wrap on a vehicle.
Designs on a white background are hard to judge. In a mockup it becomes visible how size, colours and legibility work in the real place — and mistakes surface before expensive production.
Particularly convincing are mockups on photos of the actual surroundings: your own façade, your own vehicle, your own shop window. In software and web development, clickable mockups or prototypes show how flows work.
For the Absacker Bar, for example, photo mockups were created on location for approval; for Moon Power, mockups, proofs and print files per site.
What to look out for
- Create mockups on photos of the real place or vehicle.
- Show proportions realistically.
- Show several variants side by side to ease the decision.
- Have mockups approved before every production.
- For websites and apps use clickable prototypes instead of still images.
Common mistakes
- Glossy templates unrelated to the real surroundings.
- Unrealistic sizes — the sign ends up much smaller than expected.
- Approval only on screen without reference to the real place.
Frequently asked questions
A mockup shows how something will look. A prototype can additionally be operated and shows how it works — such as a clickable app preview.
Because mistakes in size, colour or legibility cost almost nothing in a mockup — but a lot after printing or installation.