What is a prototype in the design process?

A prototype in the design process serves as a scaled-down version that effectively showcases the key functions of a product or service. This intermediary tool allows designers and stakeholders to visualize concepts, test usability, and gather feedback before full-scale development. Prototypes can vary in fidelity, meaning they can range from low-fidelity sketches or wireframes to high-fidelity interactive models, but the core purpose remains the same: to illustrate how a product will work and what features it will include.

Creating a prototype is an essential step in the design process, as it facilitates iterative testing and refinement. It empowers designers to identify potential issues early, make necessary adjustments, and align the product vision with user needs and expectations before proceeding to final development. This approach ultimately enhances the quality and effectiveness of the final product.

The other choices do not align with the definition of a prototype. A detailed user research report is part of the research phase, conveying insights about users but lacking any tangible representation of the product itself. The final product ready for release comes at the end of the design process and incorporates all design refinements and stakeholder feedback, whereas a prototype is an earlier iteration. An idea generated during the ideation phase refers to the brainstorming stage rather than a functional representation of how a solution