The Results of Rethinking Prototyping

The scientists and academics in the transdisciplinary project called “Rethinking Prototyping” have not only been working on concrete hybrid prototyping approaches in their research, but also on a joint understanding and a general concept of prototyping as well. A differentiated analysis of the terms used in contexts connected with prototyping led to the finding that their application both differs from discipline to discipline and is partially complementary, too. In the transdisciplinary context of complex interrelated developments, it is not expedient to attempt a definition that will cover all prototyping concepts. Rather, the prototyping methods and concepts should be placed and described in a multi-dimensional matrix. This article discusses considerations in this regard and presents their reflection in the “layer cake” publication format.