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Jump to navigationJump to searchCreated page with 'File:lighterstill.jpgright|frame ==Origin== French, from Greek ''prōtotypon'', from neuter of ''prōtotypos'' archetypal, from ''prōt''- + typo...'
[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:2377msmall.jpg|right|frame]]
==Origin==
French, from [[Greek]] ''prōtotypon'', from neuter of ''prōtotypos'' archetypal, from ''prōt''- + typos [[type]]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1552]
The word prototype derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον (''prototypon''), "[[primitive]] form", neutral of πρωτότυπος (''prototypos''), "original, primitive", from πρῶτος (''protos''), "first" and τύπος (typos), "[[impression]]".
==Definitions==
*1: an [[original]] model on which something is patterned : [[archetype]]
*2: an [[individual]] that exhibits the essential features of a later type
*3: a [[standard]] or typical example
*4: a first full-scale and usually functional [[form]] of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane)
==Description==
A '''prototype''' is an early sample or model built to test a [[concept]] or [[process]] or to [[act]] as a thing to be replicated or learned from. It is a term used in a variety of [[contexts]], including [[semantics]], [[design]], electronics, and software programming. A prototype is designed to test and trial a new design to enhance [[precision]] by system analysts and users. Prototyping serves to provide specifications for a real, working system rather than a [[theoretical]] one.
In many fields, there is great [[uncertainty]] as to whether a new [[design]] will actually do what is [[desired]]. New designs often have unexpected [[problems]]. A prototype is often used as part of the product [[design]] process to allow engineers and designers the [[ability]] to explore design alternatives, test [[theories]] and [[confirm]] performance prior to starting production of a new product. Engineers use their [[experience]] to tailor the prototype according to the specific [[unknown]]s still present in the intended design. For example, some prototypes are used to confirm and verify consumer interest in a proposed design whereas other prototypes will attempt to verify the [[performance]] or suitability of a specific design approach.
In general, an iterative [[series]] of prototypes will be designed, constructed and tested as the final [[design]] emerges and is [[prepared]] for production. With rare exceptions, multiple iterations of prototypes are used to [[progressively]] refine the design. A common [[strategy]] is to design, test, [[evaluate]] and then [[modify]] the design based on [[analysis]] of the prototype.
In many products it is common to assign the prototype iterations [[Greek]] letters. For example, a first iteration prototype may be called an "Alpha" prototype. Often this iteration is not [[expected]] to perform as intended and some amount of [[failures]] or issues are [[anticipated]]. Subsequent prototyping iterations (Beta, Gamma, etc.) will be expected to resolve issues and perform closer to the final production [[intent]].
In many product development [[organizations]], prototyping specialists are employed - [[individuals]] with specialized [[skills]] and [[training]] in general fabrication [[techniques]] that can help bridge between theoretical designs and the fabrication of prototypes.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype]
==See also==
*'''''[[Archetype]]'''''
[[Category: General Reference]]
==Origin==
French, from [[Greek]] ''prōtotypon'', from neuter of ''prōtotypos'' archetypal, from ''prōt''- + typos [[type]]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 1552]
The word prototype derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον (''prototypon''), "[[primitive]] form", neutral of πρωτότυπος (''prototypos''), "original, primitive", from πρῶτος (''protos''), "first" and τύπος (typos), "[[impression]]".
==Definitions==
*1: an [[original]] model on which something is patterned : [[archetype]]
*2: an [[individual]] that exhibits the essential features of a later type
*3: a [[standard]] or typical example
*4: a first full-scale and usually functional [[form]] of a new type or design of a construction (as an airplane)
==Description==
A '''prototype''' is an early sample or model built to test a [[concept]] or [[process]] or to [[act]] as a thing to be replicated or learned from. It is a term used in a variety of [[contexts]], including [[semantics]], [[design]], electronics, and software programming. A prototype is designed to test and trial a new design to enhance [[precision]] by system analysts and users. Prototyping serves to provide specifications for a real, working system rather than a [[theoretical]] one.
In many fields, there is great [[uncertainty]] as to whether a new [[design]] will actually do what is [[desired]]. New designs often have unexpected [[problems]]. A prototype is often used as part of the product [[design]] process to allow engineers and designers the [[ability]] to explore design alternatives, test [[theories]] and [[confirm]] performance prior to starting production of a new product. Engineers use their [[experience]] to tailor the prototype according to the specific [[unknown]]s still present in the intended design. For example, some prototypes are used to confirm and verify consumer interest in a proposed design whereas other prototypes will attempt to verify the [[performance]] or suitability of a specific design approach.
In general, an iterative [[series]] of prototypes will be designed, constructed and tested as the final [[design]] emerges and is [[prepared]] for production. With rare exceptions, multiple iterations of prototypes are used to [[progressively]] refine the design. A common [[strategy]] is to design, test, [[evaluate]] and then [[modify]] the design based on [[analysis]] of the prototype.
In many products it is common to assign the prototype iterations [[Greek]] letters. For example, a first iteration prototype may be called an "Alpha" prototype. Often this iteration is not [[expected]] to perform as intended and some amount of [[failures]] or issues are [[anticipated]]. Subsequent prototyping iterations (Beta, Gamma, etc.) will be expected to resolve issues and perform closer to the final production [[intent]].
In many product development [[organizations]], prototyping specialists are employed - [[individuals]] with specialized [[skills]] and [[training]] in general fabrication [[techniques]] that can help bridge between theoretical designs and the fabrication of prototypes.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype]
==See also==
*'''''[[Archetype]]'''''
[[Category: General Reference]]
