What is the purpose of a prototype?

The purpose of a prototype is to test the viability of solutions. Prototyping is an essential stage in the design and development process, allowing creators to build a functional representation of a product. This enables them to evaluate aspects such as usability, functionality, and feasibility before moving to production. Prototypes can be used to gather feedback from users, identify potential problems, and refine ideas based on real-world testing. This iterative process helps ensure that the final design addresses the intended needs and reduces the risk of costly mistakes later in development.

Showcasing aesthetic qualities, conducting market research, and finalizing product design are all important aspects of product development, but they typically occur at different stages and are not the primary purpose of creating a prototype. While aspects of aesthetics may be evaluated in a prototype, the primary focus during this stage is on functionality and testing concepts. Market research often takes place before or in conjunction with prototyping but is not the direct function of a prototype itself. Finally, finalizing the design usually happens after testing and refining through the use of prototypes, as insights gained during the prototyping phase influence the final product.