What is the purpose of a prototype?

A prototype serves primarily to test concepts and gather feedback. It acts as a preliminary model or simulation that allows designers and stakeholders to examine the usability and functionality of ideas before they are fully developed into a final product. This process is crucial in the design phase as it helps identify issues, explore different design options, and refine the product based on user interactions and preferences.

Creating prototypes enables designers to engage with users, allowing them to solicit opinions and understand their experiences, which can lead to informed decisions moving forward in the design process. By iterating on the feedback received from these tests, teams can make necessary adjustments and improvements, ultimately resulting in a more user-centered final product.

Other purposes, like creating a final version or determining the market price, do not align with the prototyping phase, as the focus should be on exploration and adaptation rather than finalization or financial estimation. Offering valuable insights for ongoing design decisions distinctly highlights the effectiveness of prototypes in improving the end-user experience.