PROTOTYPES

We frequently come across different types of prototypes and their applications but do
not clearly understand the real purpose or necessity of the application of the
prototype. We get questions like how good should the prototype be? Does it need to
work properly?

A prototype is a basic working model, mock-up or a simple simulation of the product

which leads us to create a minimal viable product to final product and variations. The
main reason for prototyping is to validate the idea and this is the step in converting
an idea to a real product. A prototype could be a working model, representational
(non-working) model, miniature or a scale model, video or a photo demonstration
based on the factors like a problem to be solved, the mandate of the end customer,
investor/industry requirements or prototype that best satisfies the purpose.

Ideally, the first type should be a working model which is actually functional, so
people can get their hands on it and try it out. But sometimes it isn’t possible to have
a working model, in such cases another kind of prototypes is used which best suits
the situation.A prototype can be in the following forms: paper, 3D printing, digital,
small model or limited usage product. These prototypes can fall into one of the
following area functional, display or a small model.

The functional prototype focuses on the functions and not on the looks. The display
prototype focuses on the looks and not so much on the function. The small model
combines both and is a smaller version of the final product.

The type of prototype to develop must be decided based on the intended purpose of
the prototype, the medium of use and the expected longevity of the prototype.
Prototypes can be throwable or non-throwable types. Both have their own benefits a
throwable type is done just to get an idea of a product, a non-throwable is one which
improvements can be made to arrive at the final product.

Eight common methods of prototyping that you can use.

 Sketches and Diagrams. ...

 Paper Interfaces. ...
 Storyboards. ...
 Lego Prototypes. ...
 Role-Playing. ...
 Physical Models. ...
 Wizard of Oz Prototypes. ...
 User-Driven Prototypes.
There are many types of the prototype here is ten of those types: -

1. A film (movie) prototype

Here a prototype is made using video just to show others the idea in a
graphical/visual format.

2. Feasibility Prototype
This type of prototype is usually developed to determine the feasibility of various
solutions. It is applied to the resolve technical risks attached to the development in
terms of performance, compatibility of components etc.

3. Horizontal Prototype
This is the user interface in the form of screenshots, demonstrating the outer layer of
the human interface only, such as windows, menus, and screens. The prototype is
used to clarify the scope and requirements of the product.

4. Rapid Prototype
The rapid prototyping technique is used to quickly engineer an initial model of a
product using a three-dimensional computer-aided design when you want to produce
something in a short span.

5. Simulations
Simulation prototype is digitally creating of a physical product to predict the
performance of the product in the real world.

6. Storyboard
A storyboard describes a product in a form of a story and demonstrates a typical
order in which information needs to be presented. It helps in determining useable
sequences for presenting information

7. Vertical Prototype
A vertical prototype is the back end of a product like a database generation to test
front end. It used to improve database design, test key components at early stages
or showcase a working model, though unfinished, to check the key functions.

8. Wireframe
This is a skeleton a product. Depicted in the form of illustrations or schematics that
capture an aspect of design such as an idea, layout, form, architecture or sequence.

9. Animations
These are images drawn and put in a sequence that walks you through the proposed
3D structure of the product/solution.

10. Mock-up
This is with no functionalities, just to get overall visual of the product. It is an
unpolished version of the product with no active features.
In conclusion, depending on what you are working on you will need to decide which
prototype works best for you, often a number of these might need to be used into a
working prototype.