Prototipuri

Prototipuri are models or samples of a product or system created to test concepts, analyze functionality, and communicate ideas. They range from simple sketches to working versions that resemble the final product. In Romanian-speaking contexts, prototipuri is the plural of prototip; in English, the term prototype is common, and prototyping describes the process of making such models.

Prototipuri can be classified by fidelity and purpose. Low-fidelity prototypes include hand-drawn sketches, paper mockups, and wireframes used to explore concepts and user flows. High-fidelity prototypes resemble the final product more closely and may be interactive, enabling realistic user testing and system integration. Rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing or CNC milling, produce physical prototypes quickly, while virtual prototyping uses simulations.

The prototyping process typically involves defining objectives, selecting a prototype type, constructing the model, evaluating it with users or stakeholders, and iterating based on feedback. Prototipuri help validate requirements, reduce risk, improve usability, and facilitate communication among designers, engineers, and customers. Drawbacks include time and cost, potential misinterpretation of early results, and the risk of overemphasizing a single feature.

Prototipuri are used in product design, software development (including UX prototyping), consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, architecture, and education. Examples range from paper mockups of an app to functioning beta versions or 3D-printed components. The concept emphasizes iteration: each cycle tests assumptions and refines the design toward a viable final product.