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What are the different types of Prototyping?

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There are several different tools and technologies that can be used for creating prototypes, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider the type of design work you're trying to prototype and the goals of your prototyping effort as you decide which tool or technology is right for you.

• Paper Prototyping is a cost-efficient method where users attempt to complete realistic tasks by interacting with a paper version of the interface, created in a drawing program, as in a drawing program or in HTML. The participant works with the paper screens by signifying the actions they would take. In turn, a person playing the role of the computer administers the screens in the order that the user expects to see them. The person acting as the computer, does not guide or instruct the participant, but simply administers the screens. An observer can take notes, or the session can be videotaped, if only one person is administering the paper prototypes.

• Rapid Prototyping can be any of a variety of processes which avoids tooling time in producing prototypes or prototype parts and consequently allows (generally non-functioning) prototypes to be produced within hours or days rather than weeks. These prototypes are frequently used to quickly test the product's technical feasibility or consumer interest.

• Virtual Prototyping is computer-based prototyping without the option of a physical part or object. It uses virtual reality to create product prototypes and test their properties.

• Incremental Prototyping evolves well-built prototypes into a component that is delivered in either an increment or a complete computer system.

• Conventional Prototyping is the calculative category where most conventional prototyping processes fall. These would include machining processes like milling, turning, and grinding. Machining methods are difficult to use on parts with very small internal cavities or complex geometry.

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