Prototype

What Does Prototype Mean?

A prototype is an original model, form or an instance that serves as a basis for other processes. In software technology, the term prototype is a working example through which a new model or a new version of an existing product can be derived.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Prototype

A prototype is an example that serves as a basis for future models. Prototyping gives designers an opportunity to research new alternatives and test the existing design to confirm a product’s functionality prior to production.

A prototype has many benefits, such as the developer and the implementer getting valuable feedback from the user even before the actual project is started. The actual process of creating prototype involves the following steps:

  • Identify Basic Requirements: Basic requirements are determined, including input and output data needed.
  • Initial Prototype Creation: The initial prototype is created.
  • Review: The clients and the end-users verify the prototype and provide valuable feedback on additions or deletions. Also necessary changes are made to the final product.
  • Revise and Improve the Prototype: Using the feedback from the client and end user, both the specifications and the prototype can be changed accordingly and improved. If changes are incorporated, a repeat of steps #3 and #4 may be required.
Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Privacy and Compliance Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…