What’s a prototype?

A prototype is an early model or sample of a product that simulates the intended experience. Its main purpose is to explore ideas and answer specific questions about how something will work or feel. By creating a prototype, designers and developers can test concepts, gather feedback, and make improvements before investing in the final product.

The key elements of a prototype are:

• Simulating an experience: It gives a tangible sense of what the final product might be like.
• Answering specific questions: It focuses on particular aspects that need testing or clarification.
• Facilitating iteration: It allows creators to refine and improve the idea based on observations and feedback.^[1]