Question
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Expert knowledge for digital decisions
Prototype or Concept Paper – Which is More Sensible?
Short answer
A clickable prototype clarifies more in one hour than a thirty-page concept in a week. People struggle to assess whether a description fits their daily work – but can immediately tell if a screen works. The concept remains necessary, but as a result, not as a starting point.
Why Text Works Poorly
"The user selects a customer and creates a process." This sentence sounds clear. In practice, it turns out that customers are searched by customer number, not by name; there are customers without a number; and a process can belong to two customers.
These issues become immediately apparent when viewing – but never when reading.
What a Prototype Is
Clickable screens without programming logic. You can click through, but nothing is saved. Creation effort: days, not weeks.
Why a Concept Is Still Necessary
- Rules that cannot be seen: calculations, deadlines, permissions
- Interfaces and data flows
- Quantity framework and operational requirements
- As a basis for contract and acceptance
The Proven Sequence
Prototype first, concept afterwards – based on what has been clarified in the prototype. Conversely, one writes a concept based on assumptions and corrects it later at a high cost.
Key facts
- Prototype Clarifies
- Operation, sequence, missing fields
- Concept Clarifies
- Rules, interfaces, quantities
- Sequence
- First prototype, then concept