Dynamic Prototyping with ProtoPie Connect: Features, Use Cases, and More

Overview

• What is ProtoPie Connect?
• How ProtoPie Connect fits into the ProtoPie ecosystem
• ProtoPie Connect plugins & key features
• ProtoPie Connect use cases
• ProtoPie Connect plans and pricing

ProtoPie Connect is a game-changer for creating interactive, connected prototyping experiences. Whether you're working with multiple screens, integrating custom hardware, or tapping into APIs, ProtoPie Connect opens up a world of possibilities for dynamic prototyping. Dive into this article to discover how to unlock its full potential and enhance your workflow through seamless integrations and advanced features.

What is ProtoPie Connect?

ProtoPie Connect is an advanced extension of ProtoPie Studio that enables designers to create experiences replicating real-world interactions across various devices, displays, hardware components, and APIs.

ProtoPie Connect functions as a powerful communication hub, using Socket.IO technology to bridge various clients, such as:

• ProtoPie prototypes;
• Physical hardware systems like Arduino boards or Logitech G29 steering wheels;
• External services like IFTTT webhooks and public APIs.

Discover more about ProtoPie Connect in our dedicated documentation.

How ProtoPie Connect fits into the ProtoPie ecosystem

ProtoPie Connect is an integral part of the ProtoPie ecosystem, designed to integrate seamlessly with our other products:

• ProtoPie Studio: Our powerful prototyping application, available on both macOS and Windows, is where you create high-fidelity prototypes.
• ProtoPie Cloud: A web-based platform that enables you to store, share, and hand off ProtoPie prototypes effortlessly.
• ProtoPie Player: A free app that complements ProtoPie Studio, allowing you to view and test prototypes on iOS, iPad, and Android devices.

ProtoPie Connect is an integral part of the ProtoPie ecosystem.

ProtoPie Connect plugins & key features

ProtoPie Connect has a range of built-in plugins that allow you to integrate your ProtoPie prototypes (Pies) with external hardware devices and services. These include the API, IFTTT, Logitech G29 steering wheel, Arduino, Gamepad, blokdots, and Unity plugins. Enterprise plan users can upload custom plugins, opening up even more possibilities for creating unique digital experiences.

In addition to these plugins, Connect offers various powerful features to enhance realism, interactivity, and dynamic user testing:

• Web embeds & camera feeds: Integrate prototypes with camera feeds and web-embed content like 3D objects and maps via URL or iframe code.
• APIs & real data: Easily connect your prototypes to databases and APIs through the API plugin.
• Unity & Unreal integrations: The Unity plugin allows you to integrate Unity projects with ProtoPie for interactive prototyping and user testing. Unreal Engine 5 integration is also supported.
• Custom plugins & bridge apps: Connect prototypes to hardware, APIs, or apps supporting Socket.IO.
• Multiple screens & devices: Prototype across multiple screens and devices, including smartwatches, for a comprehensive testing experience.
• Stage Views: Integrate ProtoPie prototypes with custom layers such as web embeds, live cameras, and Unity projects and preview them in a Stage View.
• User testing: Test prototypes on various smart devices and desktop browsers using ProtoPie Connect.

Testing a Unity Game UI project in Stage Views.

ProtoPie Connect use cases

Having explored the key features of ProtoPie Connect, let's take a look at some of the industries where they can be applied.

1. Automotive: Control prototypes that interact with APIs and driving simulators and integrate real signals from steering wheels, seats, and lights.
2. Game: Enhance game prototypes with increased interactivity using live data and gamepads.
3. IoT: Streamline appliance and mobile app integration to emulate real-time device behavior for efficient user testing.
4. Robotics & MedTech: Use camera feeds in applications like surgery robots and medical imaging systems.
5. TV & Productions: Prototype interactive TV interfaces with multi-screen support.
6. Smartwatch prototyping: Design realistic smartwatch experiences and cross-device interactions and test them on your Wear OS device.

Learn how to create software and hardware-integrated prototypes with our free Connect course from ProtoPie School. Start learning now.

ProtoPie Connect plans and pricing

The ProtoPie Connect add-on is available in three tiers, each designed to meet different prototyping needs and budgets:

1. Connect Enterprise: This tier is perfect for large teams and organizations that require advanced integration and collaboration features. It is included with the Enterprise plan and offers the most comprehensive capabilities.
2. Connect Core: Available as an add-on for Pro and Basic plan users, Connect Core is ideal for professionals and small teams seeking robust features without needing a full enterprise solution.
3. Connect Free: A great starting point for individuals or newcomers to ProtoPie, this tier offers access to basic features at no cost.

For a detailed comparison of the features included in each tier, visit our pricing page.

ProtoPie Connect has three tiers to meet different prototyping needs and budgets.

Experience the future of prototyping with ProtoPie Connect. Explore the possibilities and see how you can bring your ideas to life like never before.