Benefits of prototypes for the product development process

This paper describes the use of prototypes for the development of new products. Depending on the individual use there may be a tremendeous benefit for the success (i.e. time, quality, costs) of this process. Furthermore the benefits are not only due to the availability of physical prototypes. As far as virtual prototypes reveal answers to the core questions of a development process in the same manner their benefit is at least equal or even higher (e.g. reduced building time, less costs). Before the influence of prototypes on the development process is discussed, there will be some general remarks on classes of prototypes and purposes they are used for. Due to the short presentation time this paper can only focus on time and some cost aspects.