Low-fidelity prototyping involves creating rudimentary, simplified representations of a design concept. This can be achieved through sketches, paper or cardboard models, storyboards, or basic digital mockups.

Best suited for early design thinking stages such as ideation and empathizing, it offers a quick, cost-effective means to explore ideas. For instance, during ideation, a team might sketch potential product features on paper for rapid iteration. However, its simplicity comes with limitations — it struggles to convey intricate details, making it challenging to test user engagement. Oversimplification is also a risk, potentially impacting the prototype's validity.