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Prototyping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prototyping

[ˈprəʊtətaɪpɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

design process

Prototyping is the process of creating an early model or sample of a product to test and validate concepts before full-scale production. This iterative approach allows designers to make necessary adjustments, gather user feedback, and minimize costs. Prototypes can vary in fidelity, from low-fidelity paper models to high-fidelity interactive versions, depending on the stage of development.

Synonyms

drafting, modeling, simulation.

Examples of usage

  • The team used rapid prototyping to test new features quickly.
  • Prototyping allows for gathering user feedback before the final build.
  • We created a prototype to visualize the product's layout.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In software development, prototyping is crucial for user testing and feedback, allowing for better end products.
  • Various tools and platforms exist for digital prototyping, such as Sketch and Figma, which help designers create interactive models.

Business

  • Startups often use prototyping to validate their ideas quickly and efficiently, reducing the risks of failure.
  • The iterative process of prototyping can save companies time and resources, ensuring they meet customer needs.

Education

  • Courses on design thinking emphasize prototyping as a key step in solving problems creatively.
  • Students learn to prototype as part of STEM education, encouraging hands-on problem-solving skills.

Art & Design

  • In art, prototyping can refer to creating maquettes or initial models of larger works, helping artists visualize their ideas.
  • Fashion designers often prototype garments to test fit and style before producing the final collection.

Origin of 'prototyping'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'prototype' comes from the Greek 'protos' meaning 'first' and 'typos' meaning 'impression'.
  • The use of the word in manufacturing dates back to the early 20th century, primarily related to design and engineering.

The term 'prototyping' originates from the word 'prototype', which itself comes from the Greek roots 'protos', meaning 'first', and 'typos', meaning 'impression' or 'model'. The concept of a prototype dates back to ancient times when artisans or craftsmen created initial models to test the practicality or design of their works. With the rise of industrialization in the 19th century, the method of prototyping evolved, incorporating more advanced techniques and concepts. In the 20th century, especially with the advent of computer-aided design (CAD), prototyping became more sophisticated and integral to product development in various industries including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Today, prototyping is a critical phase in design thinking methodologies, allowing teams to innovate rapidly and efficiently.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,673, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.