Why Prototypes?

The transition from concept-to-product requires developing a prototype.  Why prototypes?  Michael Schrage, a widely recognized expert on relationship between technology and work says:  “prototypes engage the organization’s thinking in the explicit.  They externalize thought and spark conversation.  They’re bandwidth-boosters and context-creators for both information management and human interaction.”

For most companies, prototyping is an important part of institutional learning, where creativity, skills, inspiration and invention, transforms into something tangible and real.

• Prototyping fosters intimate user involvement and contributions.
• Prototyping creates room for early product testing and design.
• Prototyping forces the use of plain language.
• Rapid prototyping can demonstrate feasibility of an idea.
• Prototyping can be used to secure funding from venture capitalists.
• Prototyping helps focus on the variables.  Prototyping helps identify one’s resources and tools.
• Prototyping sparks creativity.
• Prototyping can help improve the design and functionality.
• Prototyping eases and improves assembly and development.

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