A prototype is a testable model of a product or a feature that is created as an early version to explore, evaluate, and refine ideas. It serves as a proof of concept, allowing stakeholders to visualize and interact with the proposed solution before investing significant time and resources into its development.
The main purpose of a prototype is to validate assumptions, uncover design flaws, gather user feedback, and iterate on the concept. By creating a prototype, developers, designers, and product owners can identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments in the early stages of the development process.
Prototypes can take various forms, including low-fidelity sketches, wireframes, interactive mockups, and even functional versions with limited functionality. The level of fidelity depends on the specific goals and requirements of the project.