Prototypes

Question 1

What is the primary role of a prototype in software engineering?

Answer 1

A prototype is a high-level design that helps develop specifications by testing and communicating ideas.

Question 2

How do prototypes differ from specifications?

Answer 2

Specifications are detailed and checklist-like but hard to understand and often conflicting. Prototypes visualize how specs work together and are easier to communicate.

Question 3

What are the three main types of prototypes?

Answer 3

1) Role of Technology, 2) Look and Feel, 3) Implementation Guide.

Question 4

What is a low-fidelity prototype?

Answer 4

A rough, quick version (e.g., sketches, paper prototypes) focused on exploring ideas and core functionality.

Question 5

What is a high-fidelity prototype?

Answer 5

A detailed, interactive model that simulates the final product’s look, feel, and experience.

Question 6

Give an example of a real-world use of prototyping in engineering.

Answer 6

NASA engineers built a full-size prototype of the moon lander to test visibility and control while minimizing weight.

Question 7

What are common risks associated with prototyping?

Answer 7

1) Overinvesting in hi-fi prototypes, 2) Reusing poor-quality code, 3) Neglecting documentation, 4) Wrong stakeholder approval.

Question 8

Name some tools used for prototyping.

Answer 8

Paper templates (e.g., Sketchsheets), PowerPoint, MarvelApp, Proto.io, ProttApp, Sketch, Figma.

Question 9

What are prototypes?

Answer 9

A concrete but partial representation or partial implementation of a system