A prototype is a draft version or an approximation of a final product. It is usually the initial stage of a product. A porotype helps in the representation of a design that allows users to interact with it and explore its suitability and production of an intermediary product to be used as a basis for testing.
Prototypes help designers and developers build partial product implementations, which potential end-users or customers use to provide feedback to the development
Prototyping is a method to develop prototypes.
Rapid Prototyping is a process of developing a minimal functional product of the final product so that the customer or client can have a look at how the final deployment will look. Rapid Prototyping consists of various stages of development with their parallel set of usability.
For example, if you’re building a photo sharing app, one scenario might be Vain Vanessa choosing a new filter for her latest selfie because she wants to attract more followers.
• Iterate gather feedback – You might start on paper, but finish in a high fidelity tool after multiple rounds of feedback.
Paper prototyping is a technique that allows you to create and test user interfaces quickly and cheaply. It's easier to change a prototype than the final design.
Rapid iteration. It takes minutes to create a few different versions of a design
Low cost. Paper prototyping is very inexpensive. Basic tool set includes pen and paper.
Free samples: The official site provides plenty samples of sketch skin and wireframe skin, including desktop app, mobile app, website, etc.
Drag: The elements in Balsamiq Mockups are available to simply drag-and-drop, including some buttons and lists, and each styled as a hand-drawing. Designers also can arrange pre-built widgets using a drag-and-drop editor.
Library: The large library of UI elements is a great source of design inspiration.
With 16 built-in iOS, Material Design and Wireframe libraries containing over 2000 customizable widgets and icons, you can design a wireframe simply by a drag-and-drop.
Live video: You can present your ideas interactively on live video calls with clients or interact as you design with your team.But one thing, upload multiple images is not supported.
Google Glass is a wearable computer featuring a head-mounted display in the form of eyeglasses. The Google glasses function as a hands-free smartphone, letting users access the mobile internet browser, camera, maps, calendar, and other apps by voice commands.
Advantage: Realistic experience to be given to a stakeholder for a valuable feedback.