A prototype is an early representation of an idea that helps people examine and improve it before committing to a finished product. This lesson introduces the meaning, purpose, and common types of prototypes.
A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product, built to test a concept or process. It may be physical, drawn on paper, or represented virtually in software. Rather than describing only a theoretical system, a prototype gives designers and users something concrete to evaluate.
All flashcards
What is a prototype?
An early sample, model, or release of a product or system made to explore, test, or communicate a design.
What is a proof-of-principle prototype for?
It checks whether important aspects of an idea can work, although it may have limited functionality.
How does a visual prototype differ from a working prototype?
A visual prototype represents size and appearance but may not function; a working prototype represents all or nearly all final-product functions.
What is a form study prototype?
A visual prototype that emphasizes geometric features, with less attention to color or texture.
What is a paper prototype commonly used to test?
It represents a software interface on paper so teams can test and discuss an early design before investing more effort in implementation.
Quiz questions
What is the central purpose of a prototype?Answer: To represent an early design so it can be explored, tested, or evaluated.
Which prototype type primarily checks whether key aspects of an idea can work?Answer: A proof-of-principle prototype.
What does a visual prototype mainly represent?Answer: The intended design’s size and appearance, without necessarily demonstrating its functionality.
Which prototype uses hand-drawn or printed interface representations for early software testing?Answer: A paper prototype.
Why might a team build several prototypes in sequence?Answer: Evaluation of one version can reveal changes to incorporate into the next version.
Based on the Wikipedia article Prototype, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.