What Is Prototyping? Advantages and Disadvantages

What is prototyping? This is a fast process of making a model of the project. Prototypes test different aspects of the model, the design, help gather feedback, and show ideas and features of the project.

There are two different forms of prototyping.  The first form is paper form, sketches and pictures that are non-working types. This type is used more often at the beginning of a project to give a general idea of how the product is to look. Next, there is a working type.  This usually uses computer screen, which allows the visual images of the project. After the sketches and adjustments are made then the computer visual are used to get the feel and look of the finished product. Finally, after meeting all the standards; design goals, and manufacture regulations the prototype is ready for the start of production.

Like everything else this has its advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages of prototyping are that it allows a visual idea to help those funding the project. Gives the user and producer an idea of the finished product, and they have a chance to comment on the project. This will help reduce cost by identifying problems early in the process.

Disadvantages of prototyping are that there maybe higher expectations from the user and producer, and the chance of unfinished systems. Structure damages may occur because of the ability to change and adjust the non-working and working models.

Prototyping has had a steady increase in business. In the 1980’s only about 30 percent of companies used prototyping. That doubled in the 1990’s when the total came to 60 percent and the percentage of companies using this process is increasing every year.