The 5 Types of Prototypes
October 15, 2007
Prototypes can serve a number of purposes. Here’s the five primary roles a prototype can take on. Keep in mind that a prototype can take one more than one of these roles at a time.
- As a common communication platform–using them to get everyone on the same page, avoiding misinterpretation of ideas, using them as a method to show and tell.
- Work through a design–for designers and developers, prototypes act as a way to work through your design solution, giving you the ability to evaluate a few different options, tweak them, and come up with the best one.
- Sell your idea internally–using them to sell your design solution to internal stake holders like senior management, other designers, or the engineering team.
- Gauge technical feasibility–designers want to do X, but can engineering do it? Do we have the resources? Is it worth the effort?
- As a marketing tool–while similar to number 3, this is for an external audience.