A prototype is a model of a product which is used for testing before a manufacturing run is ordered. Many companies run through several prototypes when developing a new product, as they learn more about the manufacturing process, how people will use it, and how it can be broken. Typically, access to prototypes is limited to a very small number of people, since these early models of products are often extremely imperfect; in some cases, a limited release of a prototype may be released to beta testers, people who specialize in testing early versions of products and providing feedback.
Developing a prototype starts with the development of a concept for the product. For example, a company might want to create an innovative cellphone. Engineers and consultants work on the design features, typically producing several cardboard and paper models to illustrate how the product will look and feel. Once the development team is given the go-ahead, a single working prototype is created. This prototype is evaluated to determine how effective it is, and additional prototypes may be developed with different features as the design team responds to feedback.
