Prototypes
A Prototype is a preliminary version of a product, feature, or system used to demonstrate or test aspects of its design before full-scale production or development. Prototypes can range from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity, interactive models that closely mimic the final product.
Purpose
The purpose of a Prototype is to explore, validate, and communicate design concepts effectively without going to the effort of building the final product.
Format
Prototypes can be categorised by their fidelity, or how closely they resemble the final product:
| Fidelity | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-Fidelity | Simple, often hand-drawn sketches that outline basic elements and interactions. |
| Medium-Fidelity | Wireframes that provide a clearer visual representation but lack interactive elements. |
| High-Fidelity | Fully interactive models that simulate user interactions, visual design, and sometimes backend processes. |
Anti-patterns
Over-Finishing: Spending too much time refining the prototype to make it look and feel like the final product before validating core concepts.
Attachment to Ideas: Becoming too attached to the initial design concept, which can hinder receptiveness to feedback and necessary iterations.
Under-Utilising Prototypes: Failing to use prototypes for their full range of purposes, such as usability testing or stakeholder communication.