Prototyping methods vary from industry to industry, but many pros and cons are universal. Below, we’ll cover a few of the most common prototyping methods. Then, stay tuned to examine the advantages and disadvantages of each one. If you aren’t sure which prototyping method to pursue yet, we are here to help. So go check your break room for any more jelly donuts and follow along as we dive into prototyping.
Visual prototyping represents the appearance of something but lacks the functionality of the real thing. People use visual prototyping to conceptualize things like architectural plans or proposed design patterns. Visual prototyping is often used to gain a better perspective of spatial reasoning for large projects—such as the layout of an amusement park or the style of an automobile.
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In stark contrast, functional prototyping tests whether or not the project is performing as expected. Typically, this prototyping method will follow the original design plan to ensure that all components work well together and fit properly. However, it is likely to lack the visual attributes that the previous form of prototyping includes. Imagine the first prototype for the Snuggie. It was likely uglier and less comfortable, but it tested its most important feature—the wearability of a blanket with sleeves.
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Horizontal prototypes adequately resemble a user's experience with the finished product or service. To simulate user experience meaningfully, both the functionality and visual attributes must be close enough to represent the final product accurately. It may not be fully operational, but it should serve as a launchpad for the design and anticipated performance. For example, a horizontal prototype of a website may have navigation menus but lack the URLs the menu is supposed to transport you to. It should display the intended functions without implementing them fully.
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You’ve likely deduced by this point that vertical prototypes are the counterpart to horizontal prototypes. If not, it might be time for that second cup of coffee (but maybe skip the jelly donut this time). While you pour up, we’ll clarify a few of the differences between horizontal and vertical prototyping:
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It can be challenging to discuss the advantages of prototyping while remaining inclusive to a wide range of industries. With that in mind, we laid the groundwork above to serve as a reference for applying the information below. Neat, huh? Enough about us—let’s explore the advantages of prototyping in your business:
Sometimes, the failure to adapt is the only thing that stands in the way of innovation. Accepting and assimilating feedback is essential, no matter how revolutionary your project may seem as is. The now-defunct Theranos is an excellent demonstration of what happens when you fail to utilize the advantages of prototyping. For those who missed the hype (and inevitable documentary), Theranos was a compact medical device meant to run rapid blood tests.
Early on, engineers prototyping the device claimed the design was too tiny to fit everything it needed to function accurately. Unfortunately, creator Elizabeth Holmes was unwilling to make the necessary design changes. The business failed for many reasons, but the fact that their device didn’t even work has to be in the top three. Who knows where the company could have ended up had they taken their prototype findings into consideration.
Prototyping disadvantages are often more difficult to discern than their positive counterparts. This isn’t exactly a testament to their mild impact. It's more like a side-effect of many people's rose-colored glasses during the innovation process. It’s important to familiarize yourself with prototyping disadvantages, even if you’ve already decided to proceed with prototyping. The following drawbacks will help you build an innovation process that mitigates their effects.
Pro tip: You will encounter setbacks, so plan accordingly.
rready helps businesses maximize the advantages of prototyping by setting them up for success right from the beginning. We address prototyping disadvantages before they arise through meticulously planned methodology, supportive tools and technology, and employee engagement exercises that break the ice on collaboration. Check out this Swisscom case study to learn more about rready’s impact on innovation.
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