Agency Dictionary

Mockup

nounPronunciation: /ˈmɒk.ʌp/

In Portuguese: Mockup

Design

What does “Mockup” mean?

A full-scale or realistic model of a design used for demonstration, evaluation, or promotion. In digital product creation, it illustrates interface aesthetics before programming begins.

Etymology

From the phrasal verb mock up, meaning to assemble or simulate a rough model. Mock derives ultimately from Old French mocquer (to deride, imitate). The noun mockup, referring to a full-size or scale model used for study or demonstration, is attested from around 1915 to 1920.

Synonyms

model
prototype
dummy
simulation
draft

Word family

mock
mocking
mockery

Usage examples

He basically created “UI comedy”, with satirical mockups of unhinged, absurd ideas.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Buttonnoun: A physical or graphical control element that triggers an immediate action or command when pressed or clicked. In software interfaces, buttons communicate system affordances through visual boundaries and labels.
recipientnoun: The person who receives something. In communication, the one to whom a message is addressed and who interprets it, as opposed to the sender who composes it.
Superfluousadjective: Exceeding what is sufficient, necessary, or useful.
Typographynoun: The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. It encompasses typeface selection, point size, line spacing, tracking, and spatial kerning.
iconnoun: A simplified image that represents a thing by resembling it. In semiotics, a sign that signifies through likeness; in digital interfaces, a small picture that stands for an object or a function.
Screennoun: A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
wireframenoun: A skeletal visual guide that outlines the basic structure, hierarchy, and functionality of a user interface.
symbolismnoun: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, and the set of meanings that a form, an image or an object carries beyond its literal sense.
Desaturationnoun: The progressive loss or removal of chromatic intensity, rendering a color closer to a neutral gray.
Rendernoun: A finished two-dimensional image or video generated from a three-dimensional mathematical scene by computer software. It synthesizes geometric coordinates, lighting algorithms, textures, and shading into final pixels.
pain pointnoun: A specific problem, difficulty or frustration that a person experiences when using a product or a service, and that design or marketing sets out to solve.
briefingnoun: A concise set of instructions or background information provided to guide a project or creative assignment.

Also from these editions: terms

Baselinenoun: A clearly defined reference point or standard benchmark against which measurements and quality levels are compared. In industry analysis, it defines the current standard of work.
Constraintnoun: A limitation, restriction, or boundary that regulates and shapes a creative or technical process. In digital engineering, constraints turn ambiguity into solvable problem parameters.
Dinosaurnoun: Informally, a person, organization, or established institution that has survived for a long time, sometimes perceived as traditional or resistant to change. In business, it highlights corporate longevity across eras.
Dispensarynoun: A specialized retail storefront or clinic legally authorized to dispense medical or recreational products, particularly cannabis. In branding, it represents the key point of consumer sale.
Dopaminenoun: A neurotransmitter that plays a major role in the brain's reward, motivation, and motor control pathways. In creative psychology, it is associated with the thrill of insight and execution.
Entrepreneurnoun: An individual who founds and operates a business, assuming personal financial and operational risks in pursuit of opportunity. In creative disciplines, it defines studio owners.
Grungenoun: A subgenre of alternative rock characterized by distorted guitar riffs, heavy drumming, angst-filled lyrics, and an unpolished, stripped-down visual aesthetic. Popularized in Seattle, it defined nineties rock culture.
Iterationnoun: The repetition of a process or procedure in order to generate an improved version or achieve a desired outcome.
Legendaryadjective: Remarkable enough to be famous, deeply admired, and spoken of like a legend. It characterizes milestone achievements or encounters that leave an enduring impression.
Maestronoun: A distinguished conductor, composer, or master in any art or complex collaborative endeavor. Metaphorically, it describes leaders who coordinate diverse specialists into harmonic unity.
Packagingnoun: The materials, structural casing, and graphic labeling used to wrap, protect, and market physical commodities. In visual design, it communicates brand values directly at point of touch.
Photoshootnoun: A scheduled session in which a photographer takes pictures of models, products, or scenes for commercial or editorial use. In commercial design, it serves to capture physical packaging assets.