Prototype vs. Original: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 9, 2023
A Prototype is a preliminary model or version of a product, while an Original is the first form or occurrence of something, serving as a model or basis for later stages or copies.
Key Differences
At its core, a Prototype is an initial, functional version created to test and refine an idea, product, or process. It embodies experimentation and iterative improvement. Conversely, the term Original denotes the purest, unchanged version or form of something, which often lays the foundation for derivatives, adaptations, or copies.
To draw a distinction in the realm of product development: a Prototype might be a first or early model of a new gadget, made to assess its viability or to detect any flaws. An Original, in this context, would be the very first, complete, and market-ready version of that gadget, from which reproductions might be made.
When considering artwork, an artist might sketch a Prototype of a painting to get a feel for composition and color. The final painting, once completed, would be considered the Original, and any prints or replicas stemming from it would be based on this Original.
In the vast field of literature, a writer could draft a Prototype storyline or character profile to mold their narrative better. However, the first published version of their book or story is seen as the Original, with subsequent reprints, adaptations, or translations deriving from it.
Delving into software development, a Prototype could be a basic version of an application, capturing core functionalities. Upon refinement, when the final version is released, that becomes the Original software, of which updates or versions might follow.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Preliminary model or version.
First, unchanged form of something.
Purpose
For testing, refining, or development.
Serves as a basis for reproductions or derivatives.
Evolution
Evolves with iterations and feedback.
Remains unchanged once established as the model.
Examples
Mock-ups, beta versions, rough drafts.
Published books, final software release, original artworks.
Reproductions/Derives
Doesn't usually spawn direct reproductions.
Can be reproduced or adapted, but remains the standard.
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Prototype and Original Definitions
Prototype
A tangible or visible form of an idea.
The car's prototype showcased futuristic design elements.
Original
First form or model from which copies are made.
The original manuscript is stored in the museum.
Prototype
A draft version to refine the final product.
The prototype website layout underwent several changes.
Original
Created directly by an artist rather than copied.
The gallery displayed the painter's original works.
Prototype
A preliminary model of something.
The engineer built a prototype of the machine for testing.
Original
Preceding all others in time; first
Who played the original Dracula?.
Prototype
A representation of something for demonstration.
The architect presented a prototype of the building.
Original
Not derived from something else; fresh and unusual
An original play, not an adaptation.
Prototype
An early sample built to test a concept.
The software prototype helped identify bugs.
Original
Showing a marked departure from previous practice; new
A truly original approach.
Prototype
An original type, form, or instance serving as a basis or standard
"The abolitionists were the prototype of modern citizen activism" (Adam Hochschild).
Original
Productive of new things or new ideas; inventive
An original mind.
Prototype
An original, full-scale, and usually working model of a new product or new version of an existing product.
Original
Being the source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made.
Prototype
A typical example of a class or category
"He fit the prototype of the artist as social misfit and compulsive contrarian" (Stephen Holden).
Original
A first form or model from which others are made or developed
Later versions of the car retained key features of the original.
Prototype
To make a prototype of (a product).
Original
An authentic work of art
Bought an original, not a print.
Prototype
An original form or object which is a basis for other forms or objects (particularly manufactured items), or for its generalizations and models.
Original
A work that has been composed firsthand or used to make a copy, reproduction, or translation
Kept the original but sent a photocopy to his publisher.
Prototype
An early sample or model built to test a concept or process.
The prototype had loose wires and rough edges, but it worked.
Original
A person with a creative or unusual personality.
Prototype
(computing) A declaration of a function that specifies the name, return type, and parameters, but none of the body or actual code.
Original
A person who is appealingly odd or curious; a character.
Prototype
(semantics) An instance of a category or a concept that combines its most representative attributes.
A robin is a prototype of a bird; a penguin is not.
Original
(Archaic) The source from which something arises; an originator.
Prototype
(motorsport) A type of race car, a racing sports car not based on a production car. A 4-wheeled cockpit-seating car built especially for racing on sports car circuits, that does not use the silhouette related to a consumer road car.
Original
(not comparable) Relating to the origin or beginning; preceding all others.
The original state of mankind;
The original laws of a country;
The original inventor of a process
Prototype
(transitive) To create a prototype of.
Original
(not comparable) First in a series of copies or versions.
The original manuscript contained spelling errors which were fixed in later versions.
This recording is by the original broadway cast.
Prototype
An original or model after which anything is copied; the pattern of anything to be engraved, or otherwise copied, cast, or the like; a primary form; exemplar; archetype.
They will turn their backs on it, like their great precursor and prototype.
Original
(not comparable) Newly created.
Tonight we will hear an original work by one of our best composers.
Prototype
A standard or typical example;
He is the prototype of good breeding
He provided America with an image of the good father
Original
(comparable) Fresh, different.
The paper contains a number of original ideas about color perception.
Original
(not comparable) Pioneering.
Parker was one of the original bebop players.
Original
(not comparable) Having a specified place or time as its origin.
This kind of barbecue is original to North Carolina.
Original
An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived.
This manuscript is the original.
Original
A person with a unique and interesting personality or creative talent.
Original
(archaic) An eccentric person.
Original
A newly designed garment released by a fashion designer as part of a collection.
Original
A ridgeling.
Original
Pertaining to the origin or beginning; preceding all others; first in order; primitive; primary; pristine; as, the original state of man; the original laws of a country; the original inventor of a process.
His form had yet not lostAll her original brightness.
Original
Not copied, imitated, or translated; new; fresh; genuine; as, an original thought; an original process; the original text of Scripture.
Original
Having the power to suggest new thoughts or combinations of thought; inventive; as, an original genius.
Original
Before unused or unknown; new; as, a book full of original matter.
Original
Origin; commencement; source.
It hath it original from much grief.
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,Their great Original proclaim.
Original
That which precedes all others of its class; archetype; first copy; hence, an original work of art, manuscript, text, and the like, as distinguished from a copy, translation, etc.
The Scriptures may be now read in their own original.
Original
An original thinker or writer; an originator.
Men who are bad at copying, yet are good originals.
Original
A person of marked eccentricity.
Original
The natural or wild species from which a domesticated or cultivated variety has been derived; as, the wolf is thought by some to be the original of the dog, the blackthorn the original of the plum.
Original
An original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made
Original
An original model on which something is patterned
Original
Preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed;
The original inhabitants of the Americas
The book still has its original binding
Restored the house to its original condition
The original performance of the opera
The original cast
Retracted his original statement
Original
(of e.g. information) not secondhand or by way of something intermediary;
His work is based on only original, not secondary, sources
Original
Being or productive of something fresh and unusual; or being as first made or thought of;
A truly original approach
With original music
An original mind
Original
Not derived or copied or translated from something else;
The play is original; not an adaptation
He kept the original copy and gave her only a xerox
The translation misses much of the subtlety of the original French
Original
Not derived from something else; fresh and innovative.
Her original ideas impressed everyone.
Original
Being the source from which a copy arises.
He wanted to buy the original, not a replica.
Original
Authentic and genuine, not a reproduction.
The document bore the original signature of the president.
FAQs
Can a prototype become an original?
Yes, if it evolves and is finalized as the standard or model version.
Can an original be changed?
An original remains unchanged; alterations create new versions or derivatives.
Is every work of art an original?
Not necessarily. There can be copies or reproductions of an original artwork.
How does one distinguish between an original and a copy?
The original is the primary source, while copies derive from it, often having subtle differences.
Is being "original" the same as being "unique"?
While both suggest novelty, "original" refers to the first model, and "unique" means one-of-a-kind.
Does "original" mean "better"?
Not always. An original is the source, but not necessarily superior to derivatives.
Is a prototype the finished product?
No, a prototype is an initial version made for testing and refining.
Do prototypes have flaws?
Often, as they're made to test concepts and undergo improvements.
Are prototypes always physical?
No, they can be digital, conceptual, or physical.
What makes something "original" in creativity?
An innovative approach, novelty, or being the first of its kind makes it original.
Is every prototype innovative?
Not necessarily. Prototypes test concepts, which might be iterations of existing ideas.
Can there be a prototype of an idea?
Yes, prototypes can represent tangible or conceptual versions of ideas.
Can there be multiple originals?
Generally, there's one original, but there can be several foundational or primary versions in different contexts.
Are prototypes costly to produce?
It varies; some are inexpensive rough drafts, while others, like tech products, can be costly.
Why create a prototype?
To test, refine, and develop ideas before finalizing them.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
