| As a designer (UX focused, but technical as well), I have put a lot of effort to study prototyping in sw context. I think prototype itself is fairly well understood as a noun, but how to approach the activity is not that well understood. I think it starts with what to prototype (scope/intent) and what to do with the outcome. This is where different viewpoints start to have their impact. It is very common mindset not discard anything that has been done. Some cognitive biases are likely in effect here. It is also common to attach additional intentions retroactively. E.g. it is totally ok to build UI prototype and to deviate drastically from the current state of things. Depends on the intention. Now, it is not hard to imagine a follow-up discussion that takes unfortunate turn at some point because the expectations for the activity does not match. The focus shifts from the main idea to defining what was not the idea. The value of the activity diminishes steadily. At worst, inexperienced prototypers might end up with a loundry list of changes to be done to meet the current state, confused about what just happened. I think the main point of the article is valuable: be ready to stop and throwaway your prototype. Use it smartly. Find things you want to validate or just see, then be immediately ready to throw it away. Do not project additional things on to it. Use that energy towards the ”real thing”. In the world of Figma/other prototypes there seems to float this idea that prototype has some fixed and standardized meaning. As an activity it has been bolted into different methodologies and tools, which is fine of course, but they are also taught, discussed and treates together with specs, requirements and other artifacts that serves different purpose. They communicate different things. That’s it. In the end it is about communication. I think the great power of prototyping makes it also hard to use to it effectively. Personally, I think the best part of building a prototype is to throw it away. It is a milestone, the end. Almost always a success. |