Prototype

A prototype is an early, working model of a product or part of it, built to test ideas and gather feedback before committing to full development. It can be anything from a rough sketch or clickable mock-up to a limited functional version.

The value of a prototype is learning cheaply: by putting something tangible in front of users early, a team validates assumptions and reduces the risk of building the wrong thing. Prototyping fits naturally with adaptive and iterative ways of working.

Related: minimum viable product, iterative approach, use case.

Last updated: 4 July 2026 · By Tom, PMP-certified since 2004

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