Prototyping is a technique used to experiment with new ideas or concepts at relatively low cost. Prototyping is used to model and create a functional form of a newly redesigned or reengineered component of a value stream. It is utilized to test alternative approaches and to validate that they represent real improvements.

A prototype can be thought of as a rough-and-ready proof of concept while a demo would be more polished and consumer ready. A prototype is something (which could be hardware, software, or a mixture of the two) which has been developed to determine whether a final product would even make sense. There are several methods of industrial design prototyping: iterative, parallel, competitive, and rapid. These different methods of prototyping produce varying models of proof-of-concept during the product development process.

The following are good examples of the different prototyping and demonstration projects that could be used: Sketches and diagrams. …; 3D printing or rapid model. …; Physical model. …; Wireframe. …; Role-play through virtual or augmented reality. …; Feasibility. …; Working Model. …; Video Prototype.