Next let's review where in the PD process prototypes are commonly created and why they are useful.

Wherever there is a transfer of technology one finds prototypes. Prototypes are very useful to ensure that the thing being developed is appropriate for, and can be 'scaled up' to, or prepared for, the next stage in the development process.

There are three main technology transfer points within the PD process: (1) from research operations to development operations, (2) from development operations to production operations and (3) from production operations into the market place; there are sub-stages between (1) and (2), which will be discussed later. Some may argue that there is use for prototyping within any of these stages that has nothing to do with following stages. But this is hardly ever the case in PD since someone is always interested in some 'gain', whether it's recognition, a means of seeking further funding or further development towards a profitable product - all are next stage deals.

The prototype is a stepping stone from one stage to another stage -