prototyping
Making early versions
Prototyping is building an early model of something to test whether it works before committing to full production.
Software developers create prototypes to get user feedback.
Industrial designers prototype to check form and function.
The process emphasizes learning through iteration—build quickly, test, refine, repeat: We're still in the prototyping phase.
Preliminary design representation
- wireframeEdge-only geometric model
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
layout · rendering · schematic · diagram · fidelity · lo-fi · hi-fi · clickable
Repeated procedural pass
- testingExamining to evaluate
- debuggingError removal from programs
- codingWriting software instructions
- agileLimber and quick-moving
scrum · sprint · build · versioning · refactoring · integration · deployment · MVP
Repeated procedural pass
- feedbackReturned response data
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- testingExamining to evaluate
- refinementElegance of manner
revision · cycle · stage · phase · requirement · specification · evaluation · criteria
Testable proposed explanation
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- simulationImitation of real processes
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
variable · control · measurement · data · analysis · proof-of-concept · feasibility · benchmarking
Forming mental concepts
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- conceptAbstract mental construct
- inventionNew device or method
- makerOne who produces
hackathon · incubator · startup · entrepreneurship · design-thinking · creativity · breakthrough · disruption
mockup
Preliminary design representation
blueprint · layout · rendering · schematic · diagram · fidelity · lo-fi · hi-fi · clickable · interactive
iteration
Repeated procedural pass
agile · scrum · sprint · build · versioning · refactoring · integration · deployment · MVP · alpha
iteration
Repeated procedural pass
- feedbackReturned response data
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- testingExamining to evaluate
refinement · revision · cycle · stage · phase · requirement · specification · evaluation · criteria · stakeholder
hypothesis
Testable proposed explanation
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- simulationImitation of real processes
- modelingSimulating or demonstrating form
validation · variable · control · measurement · data · analysis · proof-of-concept · feasibility · benchmarking · comparison
ideation
Forming mental concepts
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- conceptAbstract mental construct
- inventionNew device or method
maker · hackathon · incubator · startup · entrepreneurship · design-thinking · creativity · breakthrough · disruption · novelty
CAD
Technical drawing technology
- CNCAutomated machining via code
- machiningSubtractive metalworking process
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
casting · assembly · material · cardboard · clay · resin · subtractive · physical · functional · proof-of-concept
- product designCAD, design process, design iteration, specifications, blueprints
- CAD/CAMCAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, drafting, 3D modeling
- designdesign principles, functionality, emphasis, unity, graphic design
- engineeringengineers, civil engineering, engineering, electrical engineering, blueprint
- fashion industryfashion, fashion design, fashion designers, fashion shows, fashion week
- graphic designlogo, font, typography, layout, color
prototypingmass production
Large-scale standardized fabrication
production · deployment · release · shipping · launch
prototypingpolishing
Smoothing by friction
perfecting · finalizing · refining · specification · analysis paralysis
- rapid prototypingQuick fabrication of preliminary models