Etymology First use appears c. 1915–1920, deverbal from mock up (verb), by imitation of French maquette.
1
A scale or full-size model of a design or device which is not fully functional, used for teaching, demonstration, design evaluation, promotion, or other purposes.
The second-class accommodation shown in mock-up at last year's Railway Design exhibition in London was open saloon, but there is still nagging concern that the public has expressed a clear preference for compartments.1964 February, “British Railways' passenger plans”, in Modern Railways, page 73:
A full-size mock-up carriage of a Liverpool City Region Class 777, built as a part of the design process, has been transferred to the National College for Advanced Transportation & Infrastructure (NCATI) in Doncaster, to be used as a teaching aid.2022 January 12, “News in pictures: Liverpool carriage goes to college”, in Rail, number 948, page 20:
2
A prototype, usually low-fidelity, such as a paper illustration, screenshot, or simple screen configuration with limited interaction.
I knew that the software was a mock up and as such it would require the team at least half an hour to put together the components before I could proceed.2018, Dr Low Lee Yong, I Dare to Dream Making Possible the Impossible:
This 5mm square grid notebook is great to use for diagrams, mock-ups, designs, everyday use, notes, calculations, lists, doodling, musings or other creativity projects.2019, Squared Grid Notebook: Square Grid Notebook/Journal, Elite Blank Books:
mock up
verb
1
To create a model or demonstration; to create a preliminary version or sample.
They used paper and cardboard to mock up the layout for the control panel.