Developing a prototype, an example or model, is part of every software development today. But what are the advantages of a prototype, compared to the simple concept development? And how do you make the step from prototype to finished product?
The development of a prototype
A prototype can have different shapes and can be very little developed or very accurate. Wikipedia defines a prototype as follows:
A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process or act as a thing to be replicated or learned from. It is a term used in a variety of contexts, including semantics, design, electronics, and software programming.
The advantage of a prototype is that it can be changed faster and changes cost less money and time. The development of a prototype should therefore be at the beginning of a product development.
A prototype can also be used to inform investors about a product or to gain initial user experience. A prototype should answer a concrete and not an abstract problem.
Prototype + User testing = Better products?
Developing prototypes can help you to develop a great product.
It’s a relatively inexpensive way to test an idea and get the first user feedback. If a prototype fails, this is far less serious than if a finished product failed, as the investment was far lower.
In addition, a prototype has the ability to completely rethink and redesign it, which is rather difficult for a finished product.
Prototypes are a great opportunity to collect and respond to user feedback. As bad as shown here, it should not be better