For latest version: please go to https://academicentrepreneurship.pubpub.org/pub/kwi92jih/release/2 Rapid prototyping allows a startup to test various versions or models of its idea in short iteration cycles. The intent of rapid prototyping is to learn from each iteration and avoid expensive mistakes that can result from untested assumptions. There are three main categories for rapid prototyping, and each category represents an essential question critical to success. First, does anyone want what you plan to do? Second, how will they interact with it? Finally, will it achieve a meaningful impact, moving the needle that customers want to see move? These three key questions map to three types of strategies: vapor tests, fake front-ends, and fake back-ends.