Definition of a Prototype
A prototype is an important and vital part of the product development process. in any design practice, the word "prototype" is often not far from the things that the designers will be involved in. A general definition of a prototype is:
"A prototype is the first or original example of something that has been or will be copied or developed; it is a model or preliminary version;
e.g.: A prototype supersonic aircraft.
Types of Prototypes
The general definition of the prototype contains three aspects of interests:
Roles of the Prototypes
Prototypes play several roles in the product development process. They include the following:
A prototype is an important and vital part of the product development process. in any design practice, the word "prototype" is often not far from the things that the designers will be involved in. A general definition of a prototype is:
"A prototype is the first or original example of something that has been or will be copied or developed; it is a model or preliminary version;
e.g.: A prototype supersonic aircraft.
Types of Prototypes
The general definition of the prototype contains three aspects of interests:
- the implementations of the prototype; from the entire product (or system) itself to its sub-assemblies and components,
- the form of the prototype; from a virtual prototype to a physical prototype and
- the degree of the approximation of the prototype; from very rough representation to exact replication of the product.
Roles of the Prototypes
Prototypes play several roles in the product development process. They include the following:
- Experimenting and learning.
- Testing and proofing.
- Communication and interaction.
- Synthesis and integration
- Scheduling and markers