Okay, let’s dive into the topic of prototypes. You’ve probably heard the word before — but what exactly is it? Here’s the explanation:
Imagine you’re standing in your kitchen with a recipe for the world’s best lasagna. You’ve never made it before, but you’re excited — and a little nervous. So instead of inviting your whole family for dinner and hoping for the best, you make a small portion just for yourself. You taste, adjust the recipe, and repeat until it’s perfect. That little lasagna trial? That’s your prototype.
Why are prototypes important?
Prototypes are essential tools in the development of products, systems, or services. They allow you to experiment, learn, and improve — without risking too much time, money, or resources. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the big show.
Benefits of using prototypes
Here are some of the key benefits of using prototypes in your design process:
You get early feedback in the design process
When you build a prototype of your product, you can use it to get feedback from users and stakeholders early in your process.
This means you’re more likely to catch and correct problems before they turn into costly mistakes.
Better understanding and communication
A prototype makes it easier to explain and show your idea to others. It’s much easier to understand something you can see and touch than just hear about.
You minimize risk
When you test your ideas early in the process, you reduce the risk of major failures. It’s better to discover what doesn’t work early than after a big product launch.
Types of prototypes
There are many types of prototypes, and the one you choose depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Here are some of the most common:
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Paper prototypes: These are literally drawings on paper. They’re cheap, quick to make, and great for testing layouts and user interfaces.
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Interactive prototypes: Built in tools like Figma or Adobe XD, these offer a clickable experience and are ideal for testing user journeys and functionality.
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Physical prototypes: If you're designing a physical product, you might create a model or 3D-printed version. These give you a tangible feel for the product and can reveal ergonomic or technical issues.
When should you create a prototype?
The answer is almost always: as early as possible. The sooner you start testing your ideas, the better. Even the most basic prototypes can provide valuable insights and save you from going in the wrong direction.
What does "prototype" mean?
A prototype is an early version of a product, system, or service used to test and improve ideas. It’s a preliminary model that allows for experimentation, feedback, and refinement before the final version is built.
Prototypes can range from simple sketches on a napkin to advanced interactive models or physical mockups.
The purpose of a prototype is to identify and solve problems early in development, save time and money, and ensure the final product meets user needs and expectations.
Prototypes in Design Thinking
If you’re working with Design Thinking, you’ll also encounter the term prototype. That’s because one of the five phases of Design Thinking is entirely dedicated to building a prototype.
But that doesn’t mean you should only use prototypes in big formal design processes.
Prototyping is, in itself, a powerful way of thinking when developing products and services.
So get in the habit of asking: How can I show my idea as simply and cheaply as possible?
That’s when you start to imagine how your app’s core features can be sketched on sticky notes — or how you could build a blood-testing robot out of cardboard boxes.
All with one goal: test your ideas early so you can fine-tune your aim before launching your final product or service.
The key takeaway about prototypes
Prototypes are your best friend in any design process. They help you put your ideas into action, gather feedback, and avoid major mistakes.
Whether it’s a napkin sketch or a sophisticated digital mockup...
Prototypes are a step toward making your ideas real. So next time you have a brilliant idea, build a prototype — and see where it leads.