Prototypefase

The prototypefase, or prototype phase, is a stage in product development focused on creating and evaluating representative models of a concept. Its purpose is to validate core assumptions about feasibility, usability, and value before committing to full-scale production or market launch. The phase typically follows concept development and design brief definition, and it sets the groundwork for decisions about further investment and scope.

During the prototypefase, teams build prototypes with varying levels of fidelity, from simple sketches and mockups to functional models. Activities include user testing, performance and reliability assessments, manufacturability checks, and refinement of requirements. Feedback from stakeholders and end users informs iterations of design, specifications, and risk mitigation plans.

Deliverables commonly include one or more prototypes, test protocols and results, user feedback reports, updated design documents, and a go/no-go decision for the next stage. The process is often iterative, cycling through build, test, and review until predefined criteria are met.

Context and scope vary by field. In hardware, prototypes may be physical parts or assemblies; in software, they can be interface simulations or early working versions. The prototypefase is distinct from alpha testing (internal validation) and beta testing (external validation), serving primarily to confirm viability and shape final design choices.