prototype
prototype — 名詞
1. The first fully functional version of any newly designed machine, device, or sys
原型
新產品的第一個完整測試版本
The first fully functional version of any newly designed machine, device, or system, created to test whether the design works before the final version is manufactured.
An engineering team built a working prototype of the new scooter in just three months.
工程團隊在短短三個月內，就打造出一台新型滑板車的可行原型。
collocation: build a prototype
Before mass production began, Vivek tested the prototype to find any design problems.
在量產開始之前，Vivek 先測試了原型，以便找出任何設計上的問題。
The first prototype failed the safety test, so designers went back to the drawing board.
第一個原型未能通過安全測試，設計師只好回到原點重新設計。
Haruto showed the functional prototype to the investors, who were impressed by its performance.
Haruto 向投資人展示了功能原型，對方對其表現印象深刻。
The early smartphone prototype had a small screen and plastic body, unlike the sleek metal final version.
早期的智慧型手機原型螢幕小、機殼為塑膠，不像最終版那樣輕薄且採用金屬包覆。
- model
broader term; a model may be non-functional or a smaller-scale version, while a prototype is a full working version
- mock-up
a static, non-working display version used to show appearance, not function
- proof of concept
a small-scale test to show an idea is possible, less developed than a prototype
- final product
the finished, market-ready version of a product after prototyping
文法句型
prototype + of + noun
prototype + for + noun
常見錯誤
2. A person or thing that shows all the most important qualities of a particular ki
典型；樣本
具有某類事物基本特徵的代表性例子
A person or thing that shows all the most important qualities of a particular kind or group, making it a perfect example of that type.
The small family farm is widely considered a prototype of sustainable agriculture in this region.
這個小家庭農場被廣泛視為該地區永續農業的典型代表。
collocation: prototype of [category]
The village’s one-room schoolhouse became a prototype for rural education across the province.
該村莊的一間教室學校成為全省鄉村教育的典範。
prototype + for showing representative model
Ada’s teaching method became a prototype followed by schools across the country.
Ada 的教學方法成為全國學校效法的典範。
This novel is often considered a prototype of the modern detective story.
這本小說常被視為現代偵探故事的原型。
- archetype
similar but stronger; an archetype is the original pattern from which copies are made, often with idealised qualities
- quintessence
more abstract; refers to the purest form or essence of something
- standard
a benchmark used for comparison rather than a typical representative
- anomaly
something that deviates from the typical characteristics
文法句型
prototype + of + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from noun sense 1 (FIRST MODEL). This sense is about being a typical example, not about being the first working version of a product. It is more common in formal or academic writing and often used with ‘of’ to specify the category.
常見錯誤
prototype — 動詞
1. To create the first fully functional version of a new product or design, built t
試作
開發新產品的第一個完整功能版本
To create the first fully functional version of a new product or design, built to test whether the core idea works before investing in mass production.
A research team is prototyping a medical device that detects heart problems earlier.
某研究團隊正在打造一種可及早檢測心臟問題的醫療裝置原型。
prototyping + new device (transitive pattern)
Valentina prototyped her furniture design using cheap plywood before ordering expensive hardwood.
Valentina 先用便宜的夾板打造家具設計的原型，之後才訂購高價的硬木。
The startup plans to prototype the app in six weeks and launch it by December.
這家新創公司計劃在六週內做出應用程式的原型，並在十二月前正式推出。
Before mass production, the engineers prototyped three different versions of the circuit board.
在量產之前，工程師們先製作了三種不同版本的電路板原型。
- develop
broader; includes planning and refinement beyond the first version
- test-build
less common but more precise about the experimental purpose of building
文法句型
prototype + noun phrase
用法筆記
The object of this verb is the thing being created, not the material. Frequently used in technology, engineering, and design contexts.
常見錯誤
2. To work through a repeated cycle of designing, testing, and refining a concept b
反覆試作
從事原型設計、測試與改良的整個過程
To work through a repeated cycle of designing, testing, and refining a concept by building and improving successive versions, rather than producing just one initial prototype.
After test users complained about slippery grip, Yuki prototyped a wider handle and brought the cyclists back the next week.
測試使用者抱怨握把太滑之後，Yuki 試作了更寬的握把，隔週又請同一批自行車手回來測試。
intransitive: prototyping + feedback loop
Rafael prototyped six ventilation layouts for the safety helmet, testing each with construction workers before picking the best.
Rafael 為安全帽試作了六種通風配置，每種都請建築工人測試，最後才選出最好的。
iterative prototyping of multiple versions
Students in the engineering course learn how to prototype by working on real-world problems.
工程課程的學生透過解決實際問題，學習如何進行反覆試作。
Anya prototyped three juice-bottle packaging options, tested each with focus groups, and refined the winner for another round.
Anya 為果汁瓶試作了三種包裝，分別請焦點團體測試，再將勝出的設計改良後進行下一輪。
- iterate
focuses on repeating the cycle of improvement rather than the initial creation
- test and refine
a phrase rather than a single verb; emphasises the evaluation part of the process
文法句型
prototype + noun
prototype (no object)
用法筆記
Broader than verb sense 1 (BUILD FIRST VERSION). This sense covers the full iterative cycle — designing, building, testing, and improving. It can be used intransitively (‘We spent the month prototyping’), which sense 1 cannot.