Prototype

What is it? A mockup, model or visual of something that varies in material, format, detail, complexity and level of functionality - it could even be an audio or interactive prototype. The goal is to communicate the intent, material, size, and or context of an idea, product, service or experience, usually created during the product development or design cycle before it's finalized.. The format may range from rudimentary to highly polished (e.g. simple sketch or storyboard, to a high fidelity interactive “mocked up” experience with actual live data, or fully functional two or three dimensional replica).

When is it best used? Prototypes of varying form and fidelity are used throughout the design/development/learning  process to gather feedback on its relevance, functionality, texture, weight, appearance, ergonomics, feel, and/or usefulness.

What does it entail? An expression of something to “bring it alive” so that others can experience or evaluate it. The mock-up itself could be a paper model, sketch, wireframe, storyboard, book cover, website, package design, audio file, video, poster or anything else that requires feedback in order to optimize it.

Stakeholder reactions and feedback after interacting with the prototype will inform changes to the “product.” Prototypes can be low-fidelity and made out of paper or inexpensive materials, or can be clickable with professional design elements or fully functional high-fidelity prototypes, depending on the stage in the design process.

Interchangeable terms: Mock-up, model, sample, example 

Use in a sentence: The prototypes that came out of the design workshop allowed us to gather the input we need to create a better solution. 

Related terms: model, proto-thon, hackathon, blueprint, framework, wireframe, MVP, mock-up, template

Visual: Yes

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