Uncover the power of the prototype

These Doritos packages were designed by Peter Povlov, a Macedonian designer who had an idea for a new way to package food. Instead of type the idea out, just draw a picture, or even get a 3D rendering—he just made a prototype.

• In web design a prototype is called a wireframe.
• In architecture a prototype is an architectural model.
• Apple even built a full scale prototype of the Apple Store in a warehouse before they built the first one.
• Ford builds full scale versions of each of it’s cars out of clay.

Computers are powerful, but even the best rendering doesn’t have the tactile and emotional connection that a real object has. I would highly recommend thinking through what a prototype looks like in your world.

A prototype:

• Makes it more likely that people who see it will support your work.
• Helps you see your idea, and make changes before it’s finalized.
• Makes it easier to communicate your vision.
• Allows for more objective input from others.
• Gives you a boost of motivation to keep going with the project.