Prototype Triggers: Defining How Users Interact

A prototype trigger is the 'if' in an 'if-then' UI interaction, defining the specific user input that causes a change. It turns static designs into interactive simulations by modeling user behavior like clicks, drags, hovers, or key presses. This allows designers to test user flows and demonstrate app functionality before any code is written. The primary footgun is choosing a trigger that's close but not correct—like using a tap for a hover state—which miscommunicates the intended feel to developers.