Prototype development is the creation of the first working model of a new product or invention. Before the prototype can be created, the designer must create detailed product specifications. This document must provide the exact type of material the prototype will be made from and drawings complete with measurements from all angles.
In most cases, the process of design, construction of a prototype, and testing is repeated multiple times. Each time, the design is improved, with items added or removed to create a final, working model. This cycle is the only method for refining the original design to create a fully functioning product.
In order to keep track of the prototype development, a naming strategy is used. Some designers use Greek letters such as alpha, beta, and gamma to represent first, second and third versions. Others use a combination of letters and numbers or use a decimal numbering sequence to distinguish the level of versioning.
