Prototype as a tool for the development of biomedical products


A prototype is according to the RAE (Royal Academy of the language) an original copy or first mold in which a figure or something else is made.

Characteristics of a prototype for medical product development 
Types of prototype

Low Fidelity vs. High Fidelity
Low Fidelity: set of drawings (for example, a presentation of scenarios) that constitutes a static model, not computerized and non-operative of a user interface for a system in planning.
High Fidelity: set of screens that provide a dynamic, computerized and operational model of a planning system.

Exploratory vs. Experimental vs. Operational
Exploratory: non-reusable prototype used to clarify project goals, identify requirements, examine design alternatives or investigate an extensive and complex system.
Experimental: prototype used for the validation of system specifications
Operational: iterative prototype that is progressively refined until it becomes the final system.

Horizontal vs. Vertical
Horizontal: prototype that models many features of a system but with little detail. This detail will reach a certain depth, will be especially useful in the early stages of design and aims to test the global interaction mode, by contemplating common functions that the user will use frequently.
Vertical: prototype that models few features of a system but with a lot of detail. It will be especially useful in more advanced stages of design and aims at the design details test
Diagonal: horizontal prototype up to a certain level, from which it can be considered vertical

Global vs. Local
Global: prototype of the complete system. Expanded horizontal prototype that models a large number of features and covers a wide range of functionalities. It will be very useful throughout the entire design process.
Local: prototype of a single component or characteristic of the critical usability system. It will be useful in some specific stages of the design process.

Before starting...to show the concept to the board.
Starting.... to meet the initial user requirements
After starting .... to validate the evolution of user requirements.
In the intermediate stages.....  To validate system specifications
Between the intermediate and final stages .... To prepare users or create a marketing demonstration
In the final stages ..... to explore solutions to specific design or usability problems.

Considerations prior to the construction of a prototype
  •     Depth of functionality required in the prototype
  •         Choice of the prototyping tool and consideration of its limitations
  •          Completion criteria for the iteration cycle
  •          Composition of the team (users, developers and others involved)
  •     Level of fidelity required in prototyping
  •     Maximum length of an iteration cycle
  •     Purpose of the prototype
  •     Ways to handle conflicts between members of the design team and consensus building.


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