What is a prototype?

A is an early version of a that designers make.

It is often not as detailed as the final product.

A prototype can be a fully working model of the product, a version where only part of it works, or a non-working model to see if the size and shape are right.

Designers make prototypes so they can try out ideas to see if they will work or not.

Video: What is a prototype?

Find out about prototypes and why they are used.

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Why make a prototype?

An illustrated robot holds its hands out and raises an eyebrow.

Making a prototype is an important part of the design process and will help a designer to see their new product in real life and test how it works. This will show which parts of their design work well and which don’t.

Prototypes can also be shown to the people who might use the product to see if they like the design.

Designers use the information they find out from a prototype to develop their designs further. Sometimes designers will make many prototypes before creating the final product.

Prototype development

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A first prototype might be very basic with not all the parts finished.
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After testing the first prototype the designer might think of ideas to make the product better.
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After a couple of prototypes the designer's prototype will improve.
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A later prototype will be close to the finished product.
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At the final product stage, the designer will have learned what is needed from the prototypes and will have designed a good final product.

How are prototypes made?

Designers can make physical or prototypes to test their design ideas.

Physical prototypes

Designers might use 3D modelling. This means making a physical model of the product. It is a good way to check a product's size, shape and appearance.

Sometimes the model might be made using the designer's planned dimensions and materials, but sometimes to save money and time, it might be made smaller or with cheaper materials (such as cardboard).

Designers will often create working model prototypes that function and can be used in the same way as the final product.

This type of prototype lets a designer test a product and see if it will work.

It is particularly useful for prototyping products that have moving parts, as designers will be able to see if they can move as planned.

Virtual prototypes

Computer screen with a ship on a black and white squared grid

Designers can make realistic virtual prototypes on a computer using programs.

This is often done because it is a quick way to make a prototype. It allows changes to be made quickly and easily. The changes can then be seen instantly on a screen.

These prototype models can also be easily shared with other people online.

Real life prototypes

Prototypes are often used when new products are being designed and developed.

It is common for architects, engineers and designers to make prototypes. Take a look at some examples.

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City planners
City planners might look at a physical 3D prototype of a city layout.
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Engineers
An engineer might create a virtual prototype using Computer Aided Design (CAD) program.
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Product design
A product engineer using a physical prototype model to check sizes.

Key words

Computer Aided Design (CAD)	Using computer software to help create and develop designs.
Product	Something that is made to be bought or sold. Food, furniture and clothes are all examples of products.
Prototype	An early or first version of a product being developed.