prototype
First working model
A prototype is an original model from which later versions are developed or copied.
In engineering and design, it's an early working version built to test concepts before full production: The prototype crashed during testing.
The word extends to any first example that establishes a pattern: She was the prototype of the modern career woman.
In cognitive science, a prototype is the most typical example of a category—a robin being the prototypical bird rather than a penguin.
Typical perfect instance
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- paragonFlawless model to emulate
template · pattern · standard · model · original · specimen · sample · typical
Preliminary design representation
- wireframeEdge-only geometric model
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- schematicSimplified technical diagram
draft · layout · CAD · iteration · alpha · beta · specifications · refinement
One that comes before
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- progenitorAncestor or originator
- predecessorOne who came first
originator · trailblazer · groundbreaker · harbinger · first · early · initial · preliminary
Repeated procedural pass
- testingExamining to evaluate
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- feedbackReturned response data
- refinementElegance of manner
experiment · trial · evaluation · demonstration · proof-of-concept · feasibility · debugging · revision
Unfair inclination or prejudice
- prejudgmentOpinion formed beforehand
- pigeonholeClassify too rigidly
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
- typecastRepeatedly assigned similar roles
categorization · generalization · assumption · cliché · convention · perception · preconception · profiling
exemplar
Typical perfect instance
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- epitomePerfect representative of type
paragon · template · pattern · standard · model · original · specimen · sample · typical · representative
mockup
Preliminary design representation
schematic · draft · layout · CAD · iteration · alpha · beta · specifications · refinement · proof-of-concept
forerunner
One that comes before
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- progenitorAncestor or originator
predecessor · originator · trailblazer · groundbreaker · harbinger · first · early · initial · preliminary · experimental
iteration
Repeated procedural pass
- testingExamining to evaluate
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- feedbackReturned response data
refinement · experiment · trial · evaluation · demonstration · proof-of-concept · feasibility · debugging · revision · versioning
bias
Unfair inclination or prejudice
- prejudgmentOpinion formed beforehand
- pigeonholeClassify too rigidly
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
typecast · categorization · generalization · assumption · cliché · convention · perception · preconception · profiling
- modelssupermodel, fashion model, cover model, runway model, mathematical model
- displaysLCD, LED, OLED, display stand, display case
- innovationinnovation, invention, innovative, innovate, breakthrough
- modeling3D modeling, data modeling, computer modeling, mathematical modeling, financial modeling
- visual aidspicture, pictures, photo, photos, image
- visual toolswhiteboard, diagram, chart, graph, flowchart
prototypefinal product
Completed output ready for use
finished product · production model · end product · final version · finished article
prototypecopy
Identical reproduction made
replica · reproduction · derivative · imitation · descendant
- rapid prototypingQuick fabrication of preliminary models
- prototype testingAssessing initial design samples
- prototype vehicleEarly test version automobile
prototypes, prototypical, prototyping, prototyped, prototypically