Prototyping is a step in the design process of new or revised products that allows design teams to check products for defects, identify possible areas of improvement, and demonstrate the product to potential investors or the target market. In most cases, this process involves making models of varying levels of functionality from a range of materials using several types of prototype technology. These technologies include subtractive and additive construction and software-based representation. The first two methods involve removing material from a block or sheet of modeling material or adding material to a model layer by layer. The third prototype technology type is used to demonstrate software products.
Proof of concept is an important part of the design process for new or revised products. Producing a prototype model of a proposed product allows a design team assess the design for functionality, faults, and aesthetic qualities prior to going into the final manufacturing phase. Prototype models are produced using a variety of techniques and may be fully functional or not at all depending on the results expected of the prototyping process. The most common categories into which prototype technology falls are additive, subtractive, and software groups.
