Prototipavim

Prototipavim is a verb form found in several South Slavic languages, meaning "I prototype" or "I am prototyping." In English-language contexts, the concept corresponds to prototyping—a structured activity of creating an early model of a product or system to explore ideas and test feasibility.

Prototyping is the process of producing artifacts that embody aspects of a design for learning and refinement. Prototypes vary in fidelity, from low-fidelity sketches and paper models to high-fidelity simulations or working versions of a product. The goal is to learn quickly, not to deliver a final product.

A typical prototyping workflow includes defining objectives, selecting an appropriate fidelity, building the artifact, testing with users or stakeholders, and iterating based on feedback. Prototyping supports exploration, requirement gathering, and risk reduction across software, hardware, and service design.

Common methods include paper prototypes, digital wireframes and interactive mockups, functional software prototypes, and physical models produced by 3D printing or rapid manufacturing. Tools range from sketching apps to CAD software, prototyping platforms, and simulation environments.

Benefits of prototyping include earlier user feedback, clearer requirements, improved communication among team members, and reduced development costs and risks. Limitations include the possibility of misrepresenting the final product if fidelity is inappropriate, added time or cost, and the risk of focusing on the prototype rather than user needs.

Etymology and usage: In some languages, prototipavim is an ordinary verb form used in professional speech to describe the act of prototyping. In documentation, it appears alongside related terms such as prototipiranje or prototipovati, depending on the language.