Prototyping is a pivotal stage in the design thinking process, offering tangible benefits that enhance the overall effectiveness of solution development. Here's why it's indispensable:

• Validates assumptions: Prototyping serves as a reality check, allowing designers to validate assumptions made during the earlier phases of research and ideation.
• Uncovers biases: It helps reveal inherent biases towards certain ideas, promoting a more objective and user-centric approach.
• Gains user insights: Through testing prototypes, designers gain valuable insights into user preferences and behaviors that may not be apparent in the initial stages.
• Mitigates risk: By testing prototypes early, teams can identify potential issues and make informed decisions, reducing the risk of investing in impractical or undesirable solutions.
• Improves buy-in: Prototypes provide a tangible basis for stakeholders to understand and engage with the proposed solutions, facilitating better collaboration and buy-in.^[1]