In-depth analysis of prototyping tools: practical application from Axure to ink knife
Project background
As a guide platform for undergraduate compulsory courses in the School of Information, "Shou" needs to realize core functions such as course navigation, knowledge point disassembly, and exercise simulation through high-fidelity prototypes. This article combines course requirements such as "C Language Programming" and "Data Structures and Algorithms" to deeply analyze the core differences between Axure RP and Modao, and demonstrates the implementation of prototype tools in educational scenarios through 7 real teaching cases.
1. Tool positioning and educational scenario adaptability
1.1 Comparison of design philosophy
Axure RP (Professional-grade solution)
- Complex interactive support: Dynamic panel implements the binary tree traversal animation of "Data Structure", and repeaters load data sets of different types of questions
- Document automation: Automatically generate Markdown development documents (including component dimensions) with the interactive logic of "C Language Pointer Exercise"
- Experimental simulation: Import the icon library of oscilloscopes, circuit components and other types through AxureHub to build the experimental interface of "Simulation Electronic Technology"
Ink Knife (Agile Collaboration Tool)
- AI-assisted design: Enter the "Advanced Mathematics" outline to automatically generate chapter knowledge cards, built-in LaTeX formula editor
- Multi-terminal adaptation: One-click preview of the gyroscope interaction effect of the "Algorithm Visualization" course on mobile phones/tablets
- Classroom collaboration: 5 assistants edit the lexical analysis flowchart of "Compilation Principles" simultaneously, and the historical version can be traced back at any time
1.2 Ecological comparison of educational components
| Functional dimensions | Axure Solutions | Built-in capabilities of ink knife |
|---|---|---|
| Course catalog construction | Manually create a folded menu + conditional judgment | Drag the "Chapter Tree" component to automatically generate hierarchical relationships |
| Formula display | Relying on SVG image import | Natively support real-time rendering of LaTeX formulas |
| Question bank management | Bind Excel data source through repeater | Smart forms are imported directly into CSV format question bank |
| Equipment adaptation | Responsive breakpoint needs to be set manually | Preset device size library (including folding screen adaptation) |
2. The entire process of education projects
2.1 Modao Case: Build a mobile course portal in 4 hours
A[Select Education APP Template] --> B[Replace College VI Color Department Banner]
B --> C [Drag and drop chapter tree component construction course directory]
C --> D [Embed into formula editor to explain calculus]
D --> E[Enable the QR code scan comment function to collect feedback]Key technical points：
- Use the "Global Style" function to batch modify the font and spacing of all pages
- Through "intelligent animation" to realize the transition effect of the "Operating System" process scheduling algorithm
- Set up filters on the "Discrete Mathematics" question bank page (categorized by difficulty/knowledge points)
2.2 Axure case: Developing an interactive examination system
Core interaction logic：
- Global variable record "Database Principles" ER chart design question score
- Conditional judgment triggers continuous error questions (3 times of error pop-up knowledge points)
- JavaScript integration implements ALU operation simulation of "Principles of Computer Components"
Output results：
- HTML5 interactive prototypes of 237 interactive events
- Automatically generated API docking document (including status code description)
- Offline deployment package (adapted to campus network environment)
3. Educational scenario selection decision-making model
| Decision weight | Priority to Axure scenes | The scene of priority ink knife | Typical case comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interaction complexity★★★★★☆ | Requires state machine management (such as automatic correction system) | Linear jump (course catalog navigation) | Algorithm dynamic demonstration vs knowledge point list |
| Equipment adaptation★★★☆☆ | Accurately control the responsive layout of the PC side | Quickly adapt to mobile multi-size screens | Laboratory Management System vs Word Memorization APP |
| Teamwork★★☆☆☆☆ | SVN requires local file version management | Real-time cloud collaboration without deployment | Cross-campus development vs. course design assignments |
| Maintenance cost★☆☆☆☆☆ | Modification affects 20+ related pages | Global style takes effect in 3 seconds | Academic Affairs System Revision vs Activity Page Iteration |
4. Advanced skills for educational scenarios
4.1 Ink knife teaching innovation
- Classroom interaction: Create a "Software Engineering" case voting component, and students scan the code to score in real time
- Final management: Directly mark UML diagram modification opinions on the prototype through the annotation function
- AR Fusion: Calling the device camera to realize the virtual wiring demonstration of "Digital Circuit"
4.2 Axure feature extension
- Virtual experiment: Dynamic panel simulation of the matrix transformation process of "Linear Algebra"
- Anti-cheating system: Global timer monitors the number of departures of the "Web Development" test page
- 3D Integration: Implement the coordinate system demonstration of "Graphics" through plug-in embedding
5. Tool evolution and digitalization of education
- Deep integration of AI: Modao 2024 autumn version supports automatic transfer of the teaching syllabus to interactive prototypes
- Multimodal fusion: Axure 11 will support Unity model embedding and physics engine
- Accessible design: The WCAG 2.1 standard detection function was added on the dual platform
Implementation Suggestions: Adopt the combination strategy of "ink knife frame (70%) + Axure module (30%)". For example, using an ink knife to build the "University Physics" portal, and using complex interactions such as quantum simulation to develop using Axure.
- Modao Education Template Center:
/com24/home?category=project_basic - Axure Teaching Case Library:
/ - Interaction specification documentation:
/
Through the precise matching of tool characteristics and teaching needs, the prototype design cycle of "Shouxue" project has been shortened by 42%, and the team collaboration efficiency has been improved by 65%. I hope this article can provide a systematic reference for the prototype development of educational products.