Prototyping is about realizing a prototype to create the most concrete image of the idea and to get a common understanding.
Different quality levels and degrees of fineness are possible. From quickly and simply sketched to miniature illustration through plasticine, Lego, wires or the like. In many companies, the prototyping phase is seen as the end of an innovation process.
However, you can use the creation of simple prototypes earlier to enrich good ideas in time and generate a better common understanding.
Prototypes can be divided into three categories.
Work alike
Clarification of the functional principle of the prototype, respectively illustration of the technology
Behave alike
Clarification of a behavior that describes the product, service or business model
Look alike
Representation of the external appearance of the product
The prototype approach can also be combined with other techniques to become more concrete from integration to integration.