What distinguishes a prototype from a wireframe?

A prototype is distinguished from a wireframe primarily by its focus on illustrating functionality and user interactions. While a wireframe serves as a basic visual guide that outlines the structure and layout of a design, a prototype takes it a step further by simulating the user experience. It incorporates elements of interactivity, allowing users to engage with the design as they would with the final product. This interactivity is essential for demonstrating how various components function together, which is critical for gathering user feedback early in the design process.

By showcasing the flow of interactions and transitions, a prototype provides a clear representation of how users will navigate through the application or website. This allows designers to validate ideas, explore usability, and make informed adjustments based on real user feedback before moving into development. Thus, the defining characteristic of a prototype lies in its ability to illustrate the progression of functionality, making it a crucial tool for any UX design process.