Prototypes in pervasive computing

In product design, prototypes - approximations of a product along some dimensions - are the essential medium for information, interaction, integration, and collaboration. Information appliances such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and music players are a growing area of ubiquitous computing. Designers currently create two separate sets of prototypes: "looks-like" prototypes that show only the device\´s form (the atoms) and "works-like" prototypes that use a computer display to demonstrate the interaction (the bits). Because of the required skill and time investment, designers don\´t build comprehensive prototypes that join form and function until late in development.