Esikuvalla

Esikuvalla is the adessive singular form of the Finnish noun esikuva, which means prototype or model. In technical and design contexts, esikuvalla is used to indicate that an activity is conducted with a prototype, or based on a prototype, serving as a reference point during development.

Etymology and grammar: Esikuva comes from the prefix esi- meaning “pre” or “before” and kuva meaning “picture” or “image,” yielding a sense of a preceding example or model. The adessive suffix -lla marks location or instrument, so esikuvalla literally translates to “with a prototype” or “on a prototype.” The form is common in formal writing and project documentation when referring to the use of a prototype as a basis for work.

Usage: Esikuvalla appears in sentences describing how work is performed or guided. It is often seen with phrases such as esikuvan mukaan (according to the prototype) or used directly to denote the presence of a prototype in the workflow. It is more typical in technical Finnish than in everyday speech. For example, one might say that a plan was developed esikuvalla, or that tests were conducted esikuvan mukaan, to emphasize reliance on the prototype during evaluation.

See also: esikuva, malli, prototyyppi, tuotekehitys, suunnittelu.

In sum, esikuvalla is a grammatical form used to express “with a prototype” or “based on a prototype” in Finnish, reflecting the role of a prototype as a reference in development and design work.