I've stopped designing with code for all but the most trivial elements because I realized it's too easy to get sucked into the details too early on in the process. Designing via coded prototype means that mockups are high fidelity, and there were a lot of things going on at the same time: trying to write good copy, getting each element to align correctly, finding the perfect icon, and coding good HTML/CSS/JS. Iterations then starting feeling pretty expensive.
For the same reason people use lorem ipsum, I would recommend lower resolution tools (paper, whiteboard, wireframes, etc.) to keep details out of focus until it's time. I try to avoid Photoshop when doing early design work, but it's valuable for creating proofs for clients or as a spec for engineers.
For the same reason people use lorem ipsum, I would recommend lower resolution tools (paper, whiteboard, wireframes, etc.) to keep details out of focus until it's time. I try to avoid Photoshop when doing early design work, but it's valuable for creating proofs for clients or as a spec for engineers.