Question
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Prototype or Concept Paper – Which is More Effective?
Short answer
An interactive prototype clarifies more in one hour than a thirty-page concept paper in one week. People struggle to judge whether a description fits their daily work – but can immediately tell if a screen works. The concept paper remains necessary, but as an outcome, not as a starting point.
Why Text Doesn't Work Well
"The user selects a customer and creates a case." This sentence sounds clear. In practice, it turns out: Customers are searched by customer number, not by name; some customers have no number; and a case can belong to two customers.
These issues become immediately visible when viewed – but never when read.
What a Prototype Is
Clickable screens without program logic. You can navigate through, but nothing is saved. Development effort: Days, not weeks.
Why a Concept Paper Remains Necessary
- Rules that cannot be seen: Calculations, deadlines, permissions
- Interfaces and data flows
- Volume framework and operational requirements
- As a basis for contract and acceptance
The Proven Sequence
Prototype first, concept paper afterward – based on what was clarified in the prototype. Conversely, writing a concept paper about assumptions and correcting it later is costly.
Key facts
- Prototype clarifies
- Usability, sequence, missing fields
- Concept clarifies
- Rules, interfaces, volumes
- Sequence
- Prototype first, then concept
Sources
All external claims are backed by traceable sources.- 01