Prototype

In software development, a prototype is an early, simplified version of an application or feature, created to explore ideas, test functionality, and gather feedback before building the final product. Prototypes can range from low-fidelity models, like sketches or wireframes, to high-fidelity, interactive simulations that closely resemble the final product. By using prototypes, development teams can validate design choices, assess usability, and identify potential issues early in the process, minimizing costly changes later on. Prototyping helps bridge the gap between stakeholders, designers, and developers, ensuring a shared understanding of the project vision and requirements. It’s a key step in iterative development, speeding up decision-making and improving overall product quality.

Resources

A detailed webpage on prototypes, explaining their definition and value, including risk mitigation, innovation acceleration, and stakeholder buy-in. It also covers various levels of prototype fidelity, outlining their advantages and disadvantages, as well as when each type is most beneficial.
A concise video covering prototypes, their various types and purposes, and the importance of utilizing them in the development process.