What is a working model of the test product called?

A working model of a test product is referred to as a prototype. This term is commonly used in the development and design process to describe an early version of a product that is built to test concepts, functionalities, and performance before full-scale production.

Prototypes are essential in various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and service design, as they allow teams to experiment with ideas and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and testing. They can range from simple, low-fidelity representations to more complex, high-fidelity models that closely resemble the final product.

Other terms, such as mockup, draft, and sample, have different meanings in this context. A mockup generally refers to a static representation that may depict the design of the product but lacks full functionality. A draft usually refers to early written or design documentation, outlining ideas or plans but not representing a physical product. A sample tends to mean a small portion or example of the final product, often used for testing or promotional purposes, rather than an iterative version that incorporates multiple aspects of product functionality.