Prototyping

Prototyping is a way of testing certain areas of a product before it can actually be put into production. This may vary on the different areas you wish to test in a product. Prototypes can be used to give users an idea of what the final product would look like, its size or to see if the colours and layouts are suitable for its purpose, this can then be used to also help attract funding.
Prototypes can also be used to make sure the product can fucntion properly without having to make the full size product in such detail. Which would save money for the company manufacturing it.

Prototyping can be broken up into 4 main categories.


Proof-of-Principle Prototype:
This type is used to test a certain part of the planned design without making it exactly like the final product, this is used to see if a specific design can be made using cetain materials.This way it can be determined what way is best to make the product and eliminate problem areas.


Form Study Prototype:
This categorie concentrates mainly on the basic size of the product, and how it would look. there is more effort put into its look and design rather than its actual functions.


Visual Prototype:
Is a version of it based on appearance, textures, color, without any of the actual functions of the final product. This is mainly helpful for market research, for approval and for photoshoots for sales.


Functional Prototype:
This concentrates on making a functional product. To ensure that there is no faults with the design. In most cases these prototypes are made a lot smaller to reduce the cost. This is like a final check to make sure the product is designed well and that there are no last minute flaws before final, larger production.

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Advantages of prototyping

* With the aid of a prototype, it becomes easier to attract funding
* Helps to make sure the product is up to a certain level of quality.
* The prototype gives users an idea of what the final system looks like.
* Gives a chance for users and producers to suggest new ideas or edits.
* Saves money. You dont have to repeatedly make proper expensive products for testing.
* It is faster to locate problems and increase the development speed.
* Allows us to spot any problems sooner, rather than after the product has been made.
* Various aspects can be tested and quicker feedback can be got from the user.

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Disadvantages of prototyping:

* Prototypes would not be suitable for large applications.
* Producer might produce a system that would not meet all the organizations needs
* Structure of system can be damaged since many changes could be made.
* Producer might get too attached to it.
* Time spent making these prototypes could result in a loss of interest in some consumers which could result with the product being dropped.