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Dialing in UX with Knoware

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What is a prototype?

Posted by Kirk on October 11, 2007

When we say prototype, are we saying visualization? Most of the time the answer is yes. I think there are 3 types of prototypes at 3 different places within the diamond process.

1. Interactive Concept – Reality = 0%

  • To show proof of concept
  • Lots of ideas, need to visualize to see what works
  • Very thin and quick to create
  • Sales tool to sell an idea
  • Early first diamond

2. Design Validation – Reality = 50%

  • To allow user feedback
  • Many ideas narrowed to one or a few
  • End of first or start of second diamond

3. Pre-production – Reality = 99%

  • Technical foundation leading into implementation
  • Maybe an evolution of an early prototype, maybe not
  • End of second diamond before implementation

This entry was posted on October 11, 2007 at 8:19 pm and is filed under Process, Vocabulary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

One Response to “What is a prototype?”

  1. ehass said

    October 12, 2007 at 11:52 pm

    My thoughts on names for these three different “proof of concept” prototypes:

    1) Vision Casting- Anything from a sketch to semi-functional app (albeit “throw-away”)

    2) UI Validation- Interactive; broad with deep dives; prove it addresses the problem statement

    3) Technical Validation- Prove what is proposed will work (once built out) given known constraints

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