In design, what is the role of a prototype?

A prototype plays a crucial role in the design process by serving as a preliminary model that allows designers to test ideas, gather feedback, and iterate on designs before final implementation. This iterative approach is essential for refining concepts and identifying potential issues early on, rather than after significant resources have been invested in development.

Prototypes can vary in fidelity, ranging from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity interactive models. Their primary purpose is to simulate user experience, allowing stakeholders to engage with the design and provide valuable input that can shape the final product. This is especially important in user-centered design, where understanding user needs and behaviors is essential.

The other options do not capture the essence of what a prototype does. A prototype is not intended to be a fully developed product; rather, it represents an exploration of concepts that can evolve based on feedback. It is also not the final version of a design, as its purpose is to foster refinement through testing. Lastly, while prototypes are part of the design process, they do not completely replace wireframes, which serve a different purpose in the early stages of visualizing structure and layout.