Prototype
A prototype simulates an experience with the intent to answer a specific question, allowing the creator to iterate and improve the experience.
Prototypes aren't just wireframes or mockups for usability testing. They can be used to test desirability, viability, feasibility, usability, and ethical assumptions.
How do prototypes work?
As concepts evolve toward potential solutions, you encounter many questions. You need to dig deeper than the subjective question "Is this idea good?" to specific questions about:
- Desirability: Does anybody need it? For what purpose? How important is that need? Is our solution 10x better than other solutions?
- Usability: Is it the right size? Is the text legible? Is there enough contrast in the colors? Can people find their way around?
- Feasibility: Is it technically possible? Can we make it fast enough? Is it secure? Is it compliant?
- Viability: Will people pay for it? How much? How much will it cost to produce and maintain?
Prototyping can help you answer all of these questions.
What are four powerful uses of prototypes?
Teams can use prototypes to:
- Think — Externalizing ideas helps generate and refine them
- Answer questions — Simulating part of an experience tests specific assumptions
- Communicate — Showing and simulating is more powerful than telling
- Inform decisions — Parallel prototyping multiple ideas enables better "compare and contrast" decisions
Why does parallel prototyping matter?
Instead of sequentially prototyping one idea at a time, prototype multiple ideas at once. The design literature refers to this as parallel prototyping, and research shows that teams that parallel prototype outperform teams who sequentially prototype.
Learn more:
- 4 Powerful Ways to Use Rapid Prototyping to Drive Product Success
Related terms:
- Prototyping
- Assumption Testing
- Compare and Contrast Decisions
- Product Discovery
Last Updated: October 25, 2025