Prototype

August 26, 2025
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What is a Prototype?

A prototype is an early model or sample of a product, system, or process used to test and evaluate design concepts before full-scale production or development. In project management, it helps teams explore ideas, identify flaws, and gather feedback from stakeholders or users. Prototypes can range from simple sketches to interactive simulations, depending on the project stage and objectives. They are commonly used in software development, product design, engineering, and other industries where iterative design plays a key role.

By offering a tangible preview of the outcome, a prototype enables teams to assess the functionality, usability, and feasibility of their designs. It helps reduce the risk of costly changes later in the project and enhances communication among team members, clients, and end-users.

Key Points

  • A prototype is a working model used for demonstration, testing, or validation purposes.
  • It allows teams to experiment with ideas and identify design or technical issues early.
  • Prototyping can be low-fidelity (e.g., paper sketches) or high-fidelity (e.g., functioning digital mock-ups).
  • It supports iterative development by encouraging regular feedback and revisions.
  • Using a prototype reduces project risk by validating concepts before committing full resources.

Related Terms

  • Designers often use mock-ups, which are static representations of a product, for visual design and layout testing.
  • A proof of concept is a small-scale version developed to demonstrate whether an idea is technically feasible.
  • The minimum viable product is a basic version of a product that includes only essential features to gather user feedback.
  • User testing is the process of evaluating a prototype by observing real users interact with it to improve design and functionality.
  • Agile methodology often incorporates prototyping into its short development cycles to promote flexibility and continuous improvement.

Prototype: Example

A software development team is creating a mobile banking app. Before building the entire application, the team designed an interactive prototype with basic features, including account login, balance display, and fund transfers. This version is shared with users for feedback on navigation and layout. Based on their input, the team refines the design before beginning the full development phase.

Prototype: Best Practices

  • Start with low-fidelity versions to focus on broad concepts before refining details.
  • Involve stakeholders early to validate assumptions and gather input.
  • Test the prototype in real or simulated environments to assess performance and usability.
  • Document user feedback clearly to guide the next development steps.
  • Use prototyping tools that match the complexity and goals of the project phase.

Additional Resources

Prototype - Agile Practice Guide     Prototype - The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback

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